**Arsena**l produced a textbook away performance in Bilbao as they defeated Athletic Club 2-0.
Second-half strikes from substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard helped the Gunners to three points in their opening match of the UEFA Champions League.
Martinelli struck after the 70th minute as he ran onto a Trossard pass to curl under the onrushing Unai Simon to open the scoring.
The Brazilian then repaid the favour as he tapped the ball into Trossard’s path, and after a twist and a turn, he bundled the ball into the net.
Arsenal withstood the Athletic Club pressure to walk away with the victory, and will now turn their attention to the small matter of Manchester City at the weekend.
David Raya – 7
Raya was not troubled much by the hosts, but when called upon, proved to be a calming influence at the back.
The Spaniard’s distribution was exemplary as he played the Gunners into promising positions on several occasions.
Jurrien Timber – 7
The Dutchman has started this season in top form, and that continued at the San Mames. Timber’s link-up play with Noni Madueke was exceptional, allowing the winger to trouble his opposing full-back.
Cristhian Mosquera – 7
(Credit: Quality Sport Images/ Getty Images)
The biggest compliment you can pay to Mosquera is that Arsenal do not miss William Saliba when he is injured.
He exudes calm and confidence and compliments Gabriel very well. Mosquera has not put a foot wrong in a Gunners shirt and has proven to be a bargain for just under £15 million.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 8
Again, Gabriel was as solid as ever in the tough atmosphere of the San Mames. In the first half, he helped the backline to ride a wave of constant pressure instilled on them by Ernesto Valverde’s side.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
Calafiori has also started the season in fine form. The Italian has been solid defensively and also contributed to three goals in the process.
Against Bilbao, he defended well whilst also providing an option down the left flank.
Martin Zubimendi – 6
The Spaniard controlled the tempo at times but did struggle in the first half. A slight lapse in concentration allowed Alex Berenguer in behind, and the Bilbao attacker nearly opened the scoring.
Declan Rice – 7
Rice got an early booking but managed his circumstances well to avoid taking an early shower. The Englishman provided his usual grit and determination in the midfield positions.
Mikel Merino – 7
Playing in a slightly more advanced position, Merino had the job of making runs to support Viktor Gyökeres.
However, he arguably played better when the substitutes were made, feeding off of balls from Trossard to help sustain attacks.
Noni Madueke – 7
(Credit: David Price/ Getty Images).
Madueke continued his form from the Nottingham Forest encounter as he carried Arsenal forward on multiple occasions.
The former Chelsea winger is a completely different option to Bukayo Saka and should provide good competition for him when he returns.
At times, Madueke was unlucky; his passes did not meet their target as Eze should have connected with his low-driven cross before half-time.
Viktor Gyökeres – 6
Gyokeres was much more involved in this game. The Swedish striker should have scored a headed chance, but suffered a large cut to his head before the break, cutting his second-half minutes short.
Eberechi Eze – 5
Eze was rarely involved in the match, perhaps a victim of the poor form of Arsenal’s other left-wing options.
When Martinelli replaced him, the Brazilian’s pace and directness instantly improved the Gunners.
Substitutes
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
(Credit: David Ramos/ Getty Images).
Martinelli looked rejuvenated when he entered the pitch. His pace caused all sorts of problems, meaning he had a free run on goal, which he maximised by coolly slotting the ball under Simon.
Leandro Trossard – 8
Trossard provided both a goal and an assist too. His technical ability was a different option compared to the physicality of Gyokeres.
Piero Hincapie – N/A
Christian Norgaard – N/A