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“Impactors,” Mikel Arteta called them, and Gabriel Martinelli definitely produced a decisive contribution at the iconic Basque stadium. At times you only need an instant to alter the history of a football club,” the Gunners’ boss previously stated, and while describing the match-winning goal in such grand words might be a stretch, the start of their Champions League journey highlighted just why he stressed on the importance of squad depth.

Impact Substitutes Shift the Tie

During an evening where Arsenal were without several key men and found it tough to penetrate a durable Athletic Bilbao, the answer emerged from the bench. Gabriel Martinelli, after having been introduced for only half a minute, sprinted behind the defence and composedly slid the ball beyond Unai Simón to open the impasse with just under twenty minutes to go.

Contributing the assist was another substitute, who come on mere a short while earlier than his teammate. Trossard then sealed the victory with a decisive goal in the closing stages of the contest. The previous campaign, the manager had highlighted his team’s shortage of quality off the bench; in this match, it was their contribution from the bench that proved the deciding factor.

A Challenging Contest

Through long periods of a loud evening in Bilbao, the visitors struggled to create obvious openings. Noni Madueke remained the biggest danger for much of the game. Yet, a unclaimed ball in the center of the park dropped to Trossard, who quickly played a ball into space for the rapid forward to run onto.

Despite a slightly strong first touch, Martinelli adjusted brilliantly, evading Andoni Gorosabel before scoring beyond the shot-stopper. The away supporters erupted elatedly in a section of San Mamés.

In the closing moments in the game, the Belgian added a one more to seal a important result on the opening fixture of their European journey.

Investment Divide Highlighted

An stark gap in team investment was apparent: Arsenal’s starting XI was valued around €567m, while their opponents’ equivalent outfit amounted to just €12m. Yet, the Basque side did not want to use that as an justification not to fight, and during extended phases of the game, they fully held their own.

The Gunners dominated the ball in the opening minutes but without genuine threat. The home side grew into the game and created chances of their own, with Mikel Jauregizar hitting the first meaningful attempt on goal, which was deflected by the defender.

While the match continued, both sides had opportunities, with Arsenal gradually gaining dominance as the first half progressed. Viktor Gyökeres was denied by the keeper after sprinting into the box, and later headed a fraction past from a delivery.

After the break, Madueke kept causing problems, drawing a smart stop from the Athletic keeper at his front post. David Raya was likewise forced to save by Iñaki Williams as the hosts pushed for an advantage.

However, it was the manager’s substitutions that turned out to be match-winning. Sending on of Martinelli and the creative attacker completely transformed the match, offering the momentum necessary to claim a vital on the road three points in Europe.