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“Impactors,” the Arsenal manager called them, and the Brazilian winger certainly made a decisive contribution at San Mamés. Occasionally you only need a second to alter the history of a side,” Arteta previously commented, and while labeling the match-winning goal in those grand terms might be a stretch, the start of their Champions League adventure underscored just why he has insisted on the critical need of strength in depth.

Super Subs Change the Game

During an evening where Arsenal lacked seven important men and found it tough to penetrate a resilient their opponents, the solution emerged from the bench. Gabriel Martinelli, who had been subbed on for just half a minute, burst past the defence and calmly placed the ball under the shot-stopper to settle the impasse with 18 minutes left.

Adding the through ball was the Belgian forward, who joined the action mere a short while before Martinelli. He subsequently sealed the victory with a decisive goal in the closing moments of the contest. Last season, the manager had pointed out his squad’s lack of options; this time around, it was their impact from the bench that was the key.

A Tough Battle

For much of a loud fixture in Bilbao, the visitors found it difficult to create obvious opportunities. Noni Madueke remained the most consistent danger for a significant stretch of the tie. Yet, a misplaced ball in midfield fell to Trossard, who quickly chipped a through ball into the channel for the rapid forward to chase.

Even with a slightly overhit first touch, he compensated superbly, evading Andoni Gorosabel before netting beyond the goalkeeper. Arsenal’s supporters celebrated joyously in a section of San Mamés.

Deep in the match, Trossard added a second to complete a memorable result on the opening night of their European return.

Statistical Divide Highlighted

An stark contrast in squad investment was clear: Arsenal’s lineup was valued around a massive sum, while Athletic Bilbao’s equivalent team was valued at just €12m. However, the home team did not want to cite that as an justification not to challenge, and for long periods of the game, they fully matched their opponents.

The Gunners held possession in the opening phase but showing clear cutting edge. The home side grew into the game and created openings of their own, with a midfielder firing the first notable shot on goal, which was blocked by the defender.

While the match continued, each teams had openings, with the visitors slowly taking the upper hand as the opening period progressed. Viktor Gyökeres was denied by Simón after sprinting into the box, and subsequently headed just past from a delivery.

After the break, the winger continued causing problems, drawing a smart save from the Athletic keeper at his near post. David Raya was also called into action by Iñaki Williams as the hosts pushed for an opener.

In the end, it was Arteta’s changes that turned out to be match-winning. The introduction of Martinelli and Trossard completely transformed the match, offering the spark required to earn a important on the road victory in Europe.