Arsenal started their Champions League campaign with a strong 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday night.
The Gunners, still chasing their first-ever Champions League trophy, scored both goals late in the game. Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to open the scoring in the 72nd minute after an assist from Leandro Trossard. Fifteen minutes later, Martinelli turned provider as Trossard scored the second.
Squad depth makes the difference
Arsenal went into the game missing key players like Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Kai Havertz. But their strength in depth showed.
Manager Mikel Arteta brought on Martinelli and Trossard in the second half, and within 36 seconds the breakthrough came. It was a clear sign of the quality Arsenal now have in reserve after a busy summer transfer window.
Bilbao had started well and caused problems through Inaki Williams and Oihan Sancet, but they couldn’t take their chances. Arsenal’s substitutions proved decisive.
Gyokeres finding his feet
Striker Viktor Gyokeres showed signs of improvement. Wearing a protective head bandage after a clash with Gabriel, the Swede kept making runs behind Bilbao’s defence and linked up well with Mikel Merino.
He still needs to sharpen up in front of goal, after heading wide from a good Jurrien Timber cross, but this was a more confident display.
Martinelli answers critics
Martinelli looked fired up after starting on the bench despite injuries in the squad. Within a minute of coming on, he dribbled through and calmly scored past goalkeeper Unai Simon.
It was a reminder of his best form from the 2022/23 season, when he scored 15 Premier League goals. His energy and direct play gave Arsenal a big lift.
Even with absentees, Arteta had the luxury of leaving Martinelli out of the starting XI — proof of how strong Arsenal’s squad now looks as they chase European glory.
