Jurrien Timber praises Arsenal’s squad depth and ‘amazing’ team-mate after beating Athletic Club | OneFootball

Jurrien Timber believes Arsenal’s squad depth was the decisive factor as they opened their Champions League campaign with a statement 2–0 victory over Athletic Club in Bilbao.

Second-half substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard provided the goals in a fiercely contested opener, and the Timber praised the way Mikel Arteta’s bench made the difference.

The Arsenal manager fielded all seven of his summer outfield signings, with only goalkeeper his eighth recruit Kepa stuck on the bench throughout the match.

“It’s very important to win the first Champions League game,” the Dutch defender said. “We struggled a bit in the first half, but in the end we did really well and the subs helped us a lot. We have a great squad with many good players. The way they came in and helped the team is amazing and gives us the energy we need in games like this.”

The San Mames atmosphere lived up to its reputation, but Timber insisted Arsenal relished the challenge: “I love this kind of atmosphere. It’s tough to hear each other on the pitch, but these are the Champions League nights you dream of. It’s even nicer when you win.”

Bukayo Saka’s absence though injury was notable, but Timber was quick to highlight the impact of new signing Noni Madueke on the right flank.

“He’s doing amazing.” he said. “I knew him already from before, so I’m not surprised. He’s such a threat and I don’t think any opponent likes to play against him.”

Timber admitted Arsenal took time to settle into the game but felt the second-half improvement was significant. “We didn’t dominate the way we wanted in the first half, but we also didn’t give much away. After half-time we picked it up and finished the game really well.”

With Arsenal targeting another deep run in Europe after last season’s semi-final, Timber insisted the players are keeping their ambitions in perspective: “Of course the aim is to go further, but it’s still far away. We know what we’re capable of and we’re confident, but we take it game by game. Today was a good step.”

That step leads directly into a huge domestic challenge as Manchester City visit the Emirates on Sunday. Timber says the focus has already shifted: “Those three points were important, but now it’s about City. That’s the next challenge and we’ll be ready.”

For Timber, the victory in Bilbao was about more than the result; it was proof that Arsenal can adapt, rotate and still deliver on the biggest stage.