Super subs Martinelli and Trossard fire Arsenal to victory | OneFootball

Arsenal substitute Gabriel Martinelli made a stunning impact in Bilbao, scoring just 36 seconds after coming off the bench before setting up a second as the Gunners opened their Champions League campaign with an impressive 2–0 victory over Athletic Club.

The Brazilian replaced Eberechi Eze in the 71st minute and wasted no time, racing onto Leandro Trossard’s flick and coolly finishing past Unai Simón.

Just 15 minutes later, Martinelli again proved decisive, bursting down the left and cutting the ball back for Trossard, whose deflected strike found the net off the post to seal the win.

For much of the night the contest had been cagey, with both sides cancelling each other out in their first ever meeting. But Arsenal’s depth told in the closing stages, as their substitutes turned the game and underlined the strength of a squad bolstered by summer additions.

The result gives Mikel Arteta’s side the perfect start to their group-stage campaign and a confidence boost on the European stage, while Bilbao will be left ruing missed opportunities in front of their home crowd at San Mamés.