Super subs Martinelli, Trossard fire Arsenal to Champions League win

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard came off the bench to score as Arsenal defeated Spanish side Athletic Club, starting their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought win.

Martinelli scored just 36 seconds after being introduced, finishing a pass from Trossard in the 71st minute. The Brazilian winger then returned the favour in the 86th minute, beating his marker before setting up Trossard to slot home the second goal.

It was a tough match for Arsenal at times, as Athletic Club—back in the Champions League for the first time since the 2014–15 season—were roared on by a passionate home crowd and started the game at a frantic pace.

The home side had Arsenal pinned back early on, with Alejandro Berenguer causing particular problems for the visitors’ defence. Arsenal struggled to assert control in the first half but still created the best chance before the break, when Viktor Gyökeres sent a diving header wide from close range.

Gyökeres later finished the match with a bandage on his head after a heavy collision with teammate Gabriel, as both players attempted to head the same ball towards goal.

Before the introduction of Martinelli and Trossard, Arsenal had been struggling to create clear chances. Martinelli, who has recently experienced a dip in form and lost his starting spot to new signing Eberechi Eze, will hope his goal and assist mark a turning point.

Arsenal’s summer investment of around £250 million has given manager Mikel Arteta greater depth, and it showed again with the quality available on the bench.

While it wasn’t the most convincing performance from Arteta’s side, they secured three points and a clean sheet—an ideal start to their Champions League campaign.