Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta spoke to the media after his side's 2-0 win over Athletic Club in the Champions League, with Gabriel Martinelli the main topic of conversation
Tom Canton and Neil Docking
11:29, 17 Sep 2025
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - JULY 27: Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta with Martin Zubamendi after the pre season match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the National Stadium on July 27, 2025 in Singapore. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal clinched a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club as they kicked off their new Champions League campaign in style.
Mikel Arteta spoke in detail afterwards about the Gunners and how his substitutions out in Spain were key to the win. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both came off the bench to grab second half goals in the 72nd and 87th minute respectively, earning the Premier League giants a crucial three points.
Martinelli was a key talking point during the press conference, as Arteta emphasised his appreciation for all his players, following a £255m summer spending spree. He expressed his discomfort at having to leave any player out and how it pains him. as the term 'finishers' also resurfaced, with Arteta discussing the impact of players like Trossard.
The Spanish manager also touched on the team's reaction to both goals and the familial spirit within the squad. Here's all the latest Arsenal news courtesy of Arteta.
Really tough match
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, speaks to the media
Mikel Arteta had a clear message post-match(Image: Juanma/UEFA via Getty Images)
Arteta said it was "one of the best atmospheres" that he had witnessed at the Estadio de San Mames stadium and a "really tough match" against the La Liga side, reports Football London.
He said: "We knew that the first 20 to 25 minutes were going to be really tough, especially the way they played. So intense, a lot of direct play, a lot of goals.
"And I think after that, we started to grow throughout the game. In the second half, we were much more dominant and looked much more of a threat. And at the end, the conditions, they made an impact for us to win the game. And overall, very happy."
The role of "finishers"
Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates
Gabriel Martinelli rescued Arsenal off the bench(Image: David Ramos/Getty Images)
Questioned about the impact of substitutes Martinelli and Trossard, Arteta explained: "They are at least equally important or more important that we have this squad. That the finishers are going to be more important this season than the starters.
"And we can change again there, especially with the intensity that we play when the team starts to drop off. I'm very pleased to see that. And Piero [Hincapie] comes in and plays six minutes, the best six minutes he's played. Christian [Norgaard] is the same, and that's the attitude that we need from all of us.
"I adore Gabriel. His attitude, his commitment, his positivity, what he's willing to do for the team. As a family, we certainly value all the qualities that he has, and he brings to the team. And I'm so happy that today he's decided he can cross in the two options."
He added: "I really savour every single day working with them and being part of this team, because the way they look after each other is genuine, and they truly want the best for each other.
"And they acknowledge someone who works every single day in the manner that Gabby does. And you can go through struggles or moments, and recognising that and having that capacity to connect with him, I think it would mean a lot to him."
Arteta said: "I was certain that Gabby was going to respond like that. You raise the bar for Gabby and he was going to meet it He has such a mentality. He's a player who is constantly eager to learn and he pushes himself, demanding more from himself.
"And that's the moment that hopefully is going to give him the confidence again to excel, because he's an exceptional player."
Rugby influence
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during the Champions League win over Athletic Club
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during the Champions League win over Athletic Club(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Pressed further on the role of "finishers" and whether he had picked up on the term used and approach taken in rugby towards players not in the starting XI, Arteta said: "Yes, I did, and I love it, because I don't like other words to describe the players.
"And I think, as the game is developing, they're going to be more important in many minutes. So the quality of the minutes, I think, is going to dictate the quality of our season, for sure."
Pace controller
Questioned about Martin Zubimendi's showing back in his native Spain, Arteta expressed his admiration for his countryman. He said: "Zubi, as always, was incredibly stable. I believe he controlled the game's pace.
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"As the match progressed, he improved, understanding the spaces available, where we could exploit the opponent's weaknesses, and how we needed to rotate. Overall, he performed very well.
"Not just in midfield, but I think we've gradually improved. We've found a bit more space. I believe the club has grown."