Mikel Arteta's substitutes proved decisive as Arsenal secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Athletic Club in their Champions League opener in Bilbao. The Gunners struggled to break down the hosts for much of the match, but a double substitution turned the tide.
Gabriel Martinelli, introduced from the bench, made an immediate impact within a minute of his arrival. He was played through by fellow substitute Leandro Trossard and slotted past Unai Simon to break the deadlock after 70 minutes of frustration.
Trossard then doubled Arsenal's lead with three minutes remaining, this time Martinelli turning provider. The win gives Arsenal a perfect start to their European campaign at a difficult venue.
The result places Arsenal second in the league phase table, behind Union Saint-Gilloise on goals scored. Arsenal's next Champions League match is against Olympiacos at home on 1 October.
