Arsenal’s Strong Squad Secures Win Over Athletic | OneFootball

Arsenal show depth as Martinelli and Trossard strike against Athletic

Arsenal opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over Athletic Club, though the scoreline only tells half the story. Mikel Arteta’s side were made to work in Bilbao, yet decisive contributions from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard ensured a winning start in Europe.

Martinelli and Trossard change the game

Introduced in the second half, the pair altered the rhythm almost immediately. Martinelli needed just 36 seconds to make an impact, latching onto Trossard’s through ball in the 71st minute to fire home. The Brazilian then turned provider, darting past his marker and teeing up Trossard, who squeezed in the second with four minutes left.

For Martinelli, the moment carried extra weight. His form has dipped in recent months and new signing Eberechi Eze has been preferred on the left flank. Yet this was a reminder of his pace, directness and capacity to decide matches when trusted.

Athletic’s bright return to Europe

Athletic Club, back in the Champions League for the first time since 2014-15, offered a stern challenge. The San Mamés crowd roared their team forward and Alejandro Berenguer, in particular, troubled Arsenal’s defence during a breathless opening spell.

Viktor Gyökeres might have put the hosts ahead with a diving header in the first half, but his effort flashed wide. Later, a heavy collision with Gabriel left him bandaged and symbolised the intensity of the contest.

Arsenal’s strength in depth on display

What ultimately separated the sides was Arsenal’s squad depth. The Gunners have invested around £250m this summer and Arteta could call on options that would have been unimaginable a year ago. Five of the club’s new signings started, while Martinelli and Trossard emerged from the bench to turn the match.

Pressure and promise for Arteta

Arteta has long insisted he needed a deeper squad to compete across competitions. Nights like this vindicate that argument. It was not fluent, but it was effective — and for a side with Champions League ambitions, those are the sorts of victories that matter.