**Arsenal**saw off Athletic Club with two late goals at San Mames. But Mikel Arteta appreciated the fight from the hosts with an "amazing atmosphere" and a "tough", hard-hitting match plan on the day.
‘It was inspired’
The media identified the high press as a big part of the Athletic Club identity. Their 4-4-2 system slowed down the buildup of the Gunners as Arteta's men took time to get to grips with their hosts.
“The first 20-25 minutes was going to be tough, especially the way they played, it was so intense; a lot of direct players, a lot of duels. I think after that, we started to grow throughout the game.”
In charge of the Basque outfit is Ernesto Valverde, who has been a "point of reference" for the 43-year-old as a head coach. Arteta got what he expected from the **LaLiga**club in a difficult first half.
“They are very hard-working, tough, and clear about what they have to do. They have a coach who gives them an identity and solutions that are very difficult to solve. That's why it took it out of us so much.”
Arteta also spoke about his emotional connection to this contest. Born in San Sebastian, he is a native of the Basque Country, and having never played at **San Mames**before, it lived up to his expectations.
“What an amazing place to play football: one of the greatest atmospheres that I've been in.”
**Athletic Club**had not played in the Champions League for 11 seasons, so this fixture was a massive occasion for the team. Arteta might have played for their rivals, Real Sociedad, in the past, but he was proud to be part of this moment and enjoyed the challenge of competing in this environment.
“I loved the atmosphere. It was inspired, I think that's the word I would use. The connection people have, the passion they live with, the game, the match, their team, and that's inevitable, that energy is transmitted to the players, and that's why I knew it was going to be a very difficult game.”
‘Zubi was super steady’
The manager explained why he felt that the action in the second half started to go their way.
“I think they physically dropped a little, but we have also been a little more stable with the ball, and we have travelled more together, and it has been harder for them to run. They had more difficulties, but in general, I repeat, a spectacular atmosphere, and a team that can compete with anyone.”
At the heart of the unit was Martin Zubimendi. The Spaniard scored the first brace of his career against Nottingham Forest, and his compatriot is convinced he is adapting to life at Arsenal.
“Zubi, as always, was super steady. I think he controlled the tempo of the game. As the game progressed, it was much better because he understood the spaces that there were, where we could weaken the opponent, so they didn't run at us as we had to turn them around, and in general, very well.”
In-game management matters at the highest level, and Arteta had sensed a moment to strike.
“Not only him, the whole midfield found ourselves with a little more space, but the team has grown.”
He sent on Gabriel Martinelli as a direct, rapid threat from the left flank to step in for Eberechi Eze, and Leandro Trossard offered a different danger to Viktor Gyökeres. The changes paid off instantly.
“In the second half, we were much more fluent, dominant, and looked much more of a threat. And at the end, the finishers they made the impact for us to win the game, and overall, I’m very happy.”