ATHLETIC CLUB 0-2 ARSENAL: Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard make an impact off the substitutes’ bench as the Gunners earn hard-fought victory in opening Champions League game
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard were the heroes for Arsenal as they earned three points on the opening night of their Champions League campaign, despite a stuttering performance.
The Gunners won six of their eight group stage matches last season to qualify third for the knockout stages, but they struggled to break down the Basque club, who Manchester United stuffed 7-1 on aggregate in the Europa League semi-finals last season.
After 70 minutes of huff and puff, Martinelli came off the bench and scored immediately, racing onto a long ball to squeeze a finish underneath Unai Simon. Fellow sub Trossard then benefited from a hefty deflection to double the lead late on, having been set up by Martinelli.
Summer signings Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze had earlier both failed to impress before heading for the bench as Mikel Arteta’s changes came good. Here are the player ratings from Mirror Football as Arsenal got the job done in northern Spain.
READ MORE: Arne Slot ends Alexander Isak mystery and issues clear response to Liverpool criticsREAD MORE: Bayern Munich confirm injury blow for Chelsea Champions League clash as statement released
Arsenal (4-3-3)
David Raya 6
Despite Arsenal’s misfiring attacking play, their goalkeeper didn’t have much to do. Their rock-solid defence has become so consistent so as to become almost unremarkable.
Jurrien Timber 6
Little bombing on from the Dutchman at right-back, but you can see why Arteta likes him so much.
Gabriel Magalhaes 6
With Martin Odegaard absent, the centre-back took the armband and looked as commanding as ever. Drew blood from Gyokeres’ head with an accidental clash of heads.
Cristhian Mosquera 6
The summer signing from Valencia has slotted into the team extremely well since William Saliba went down at Anfield. The 21-year-old looked assured on his Champions League debut, even though he will lose his place to William Saliba as soon as he’s ready to return.
Riccardo Calafiori 6
Always looking to drive forward, and has the positional sense to go into midfield from left-back, but didn’t offer much attacking threat down Arsenal’s left, where Eze also struggled.
Martin Zubimendi 5
There’s a feeling that he may be a little bit lightweight as the deepest midfielder, with Alex Berenguer’s dangerous run past him and to the byline just before the break hinting at it. Robbed of possession to trigger a dangerous home counter-attack which ended when Inaki Williams shot straight at Raya.
Declan Rice 5
The England midfielder was booked early on and that likely impacted his usual box-to-box all-action playing style. Did play a few nice raking cross-field balls out to Madueke though.
Mikel Merino 6
Fairly anonymous in the Arsenal midfield, which struggled to assert themselves on the contest. Became the second Arsenal player to be bloodied in a nasty clash of heads late on.
Noni Madueke 7
Continued where he’s left off in an Arsenal shirt, looking dangerous every time he receives the ball. His willingness to run with the ball and commit defenders with his pace is a valuable asset for Arsenal. Was the best player before the substitutes stole the show.
Eberechi Eze 4
Ineffectual on the left wing, which clearly isn’t his best position. On his heels when Madueke cut back a glorious chance after 20 minutes and a passenger for much of the match. Substituted in the 71st minute for Martinelli, who scored immediately.
Viktor Gyokeres 4
Couldn’t take his chance when played through on goal midway through the second half, or with a diving header minutes later. Suffered a nasty cut to the back of his head in a collision with Gabriel and planted another header wide from Rice’s free-kick in the second half. Hooked after 65 minutes having spurned almost all of Arsenal’s chances.
Substitutes
Leandro Trossard 8
Came on and got the assist for Martinelli’s goal by flicking on a long ball over the top of the defence. His team-mate then assisted him, with a delayed shot looping over Simon and in via a massive deflection.
Gabriel Martinelli 8
Took him 36 seconds to score after coming off the bench. Used his pace to race in behind and, although he got fortunate with his finish, which Unai Simon should’ve saved, his impact was undeniable.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
