Mikel Arteta's tactical gamble paid spectacularly as Arsenal kicked off their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a resilient PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners' boss raised eyebrows with his team selection, opting to start Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli over the in-form Leandro Trossard. The decision, however, proved to be a stroke of genius as the young forward delivered a match-winning performance.
Arteta's Bold Selection Justified
Speaking after the final whistle, Arteta revealed his unwavering faith in the 22-year-old was the driving force behind the controversial call. "I had a feeling about Gabi tonight," the Spaniard confessed. "Sometimes you just know a player is ready to explode on the big stage. His energy, his directness—we needed that from the start."
Martinelli didn't keep his manager waiting, breaking the deadlock with a moment of pure individual brilliance just after the half-hour mark. Cutting in from the left flank, he unleashed an unstoppable drive that arrowed into the far corner, sending the home crowd into raptures.
PSV Fightback Falls Short
PSV, to their credit, refused to capitulate. The Dutch champions equalised against the run of play early in the second half, capitalising on a rare defensive lapse from the hosts to set up a nervy finale.
Arsenal's character was tested, but their response was emphatic. Sustained pressure culminated in a late winner, with Martinelli once again at the heart of the action, his surging run and deflected shot finding the net to secure three vital points.
The victory marks a perfect return to Europe's elite competition for the North London club and sends a powerful message to their Group B rivals. With momentum firmly on their side, Arteta's men will now turn their attention back to Premier League duties, brimming with confidence.
