Arsenal start Champions League campaign with a win
Athletic Club 0 - 2 Arsenal
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard came off the bench to deliver the goals as Arsenal opened their Champions League campaign with victory over Athletic Club.
Author | DJ
Stadium | San Mames
Martinelli needed just 36 seconds to make his mark, racing through to score after being set up by Trossard midway through the second half. The Brazilian then turned provider, beating his man before laying the ball back for Trossard to tuck in a second with four minutes to play.
It was far from straightforward for Mikel Arteta’s side. Athletic, returning to the competition for the first time since 2014-15, flew out of the blocks backed by a raucous San Mamés crowd. Alejandro Berenguer was a persistent threat and the hosts had Arsenal penned in for long spells of the first half.
The Gunners did create the clearest chance before the interval, Viktor Gyökeres heading wide from close range, but overall struggled to assert themselves. Gyökeres later finished the match with his head bandaged after a heavy collision with Gabriel, the pair clashing as they both attacked the same cross.
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The introduction of Martinelli and Trossard gave Arsenal a sharper edge in the final third. Martinelli, who has endured a difficult spell and recently lost his starting spot to new signing Eberechi Eze, will take encouragement from a goal and assist that may help reignite his form.
With around £250m invested in the squad this summer, Arteta has options to call upon when the game demands it. This was not a vintage performance, but three points and a clean sheet make for a smooth start to Arsenal’s European campaign.
Martinelli and Trossard prove their importance.
Martinelli has been well aware of the scrutiny over his place in the side, yet his goal and assist were reminders of why Mikel Arteta continues to back the 24-year-old.
Arteta has long trusted him on big occasions, but a loss of confidence had dulled his influence in recent months. His pace remains one of his greatest assets, and Trossard’s precise through ball highlighted how dangerous he can be when released in the right areas.
Arteta has spoken of the need for greater depth as Arsenal face higher standards and a relentless schedule. Five of the club’s eight summer signings were named in the starting XI, and the manager was able to summon quality from the bench, something that was often missing last season when injuries struck.
Trossard may not relish a role as substitute, but his contribution alongside Martinelli underlined the value of having game-changers to call upon. For Arteta, the heavy investment this summer comes with pressure, yet performances like this offer evidence that Arsenal’s aggressive approach in the transfer market has its rewards.
