Evolution is what can take Arsenal to the title they so crave but it will require all involved to make the next step from the manager to the players.
Mikel Arteta has a world-beating squad at his disposal after the heavy investment from the summer, but whether he could harness it remained in question. However, the 2-0 away win against Athletic Club certainly provided positive signs.
All seven of Arsenal’s outfield summer signings played a part in the victory, with both Christian Norgaard and Piero Hincapie making their debuts late on. However, it was the old guard that gave the Gunners all three points.
Both Gabriel Martinelli’s and Leandro Trossard’s goal contributions in a raucous San Mames stadium in Bilbao gave Arteta his perfect start in his third Champions League campaign in charge.
Speaking after the match, Jurrien Timber highlighted the depth that now exists within the group. Starting for a fourth time in the first five games with his right-back competitor Ben White, one of five senior players currently out injured, the Dutch international was clear on the benefits of this reinforced group.
“Yeah, [it’s] amazing,” he said. “I think we have a really great squad with a lot of good players, so the way they came in and helped the team. I think it’s amazing and gives us a lot of belief during a game like this.”
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Arteta spoke after the game of his substitutes being called “finishers” and that their importance to winning games is paramount, and that not being a starter by no means diminishes their importance. Timber reinforced this point when asked about Martinelli’s impact, and the motive for any player entering the field is with one ambition in mind: to win.
“That's always the aim, you know,” he replied. “I think we have a great squad to get better and better. It's still the first game of the Champions League, but those three points are important.
“We have seen how far we can go last season, but for now, just focus on the next game, and that's now Man City this weekend, and from there we go.”
Having conceded zero goals from open play in the first five games, Arsenal’s defence has been unsurprisingly resolute. Speaking post-match, Martin Zubimendi, a new addition to the Arteta machine, has adapted quickly, improved the midfield and already understands this core element of his side’s strategy for success.
“Yes, it's clear,” he said. “I think that one of our strengths is the defensive aspect. In the end, we are receiving very few goals, and when we don't have the ball, I think that the team continues to maintain that concentration and wants to win, which means that we don't receive many goals.”
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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