Arsenal Win Hard-fought Game Against Athletic Bilbao, Get Perfect Start To UEFA Champions League

 

Arsenal secured a perfect start to the new UEFA Champions League season, winning a hard-fought away match against Athletic Bilbao by 2-0. 

The Spaniards fought hard throughout, but Arsenal resisted long enough to find the right space to break their resolute. Arsenal seized the second half to get ahead, securing goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, both of whom came in as substitutes. 

Trossard flicked a loose ball from Simon's cross-pitch lob into the centre. The ball landed rightly for Martinelli, who darted into the box and struck the ball to beat Unai Simon. The second goal followed five minutes later, as Trossard, who was played in by Martinelli, struck a curly shot into the top corner, despite being shielded by Athletics' defenders. 

Martinelli's goal is the fastest goal for a substitute in the UEFA Champions League. The winger scored the opening goal in 36 seconds, coming of the bench to replace Eberechi Eze. Also, the victory extended Arsenal's winning run to sixth consecutive Champions League game victory against opponents from the Spanish La Liga. 

Overview 

Arsenal did a great job, keeping the Spaniards in check until they found the loose ball that set them ahead. Mikel  Arteta's changes made the difference, and Martinelli was well positioned to capitalise on fast break. Earlier, Athletic were tit for tat with Arsenal until Leandro and Martinelli came in. 

The pressure from the crowded Stadium with the fans wearing Athletic's shirt could be demoralising, for Arsenal, and the side played well enough to frustrate Arsenal. However, finding a crack in the defense to put to check by Arsenal's defenders. 

Viktor Gyokeres was worked out. He was unable to connect with Noni Madueke, while barreling down the right wing, which was effective for Arsenal to capitalise on in the first half. Nonetheless, Arteta's adjustments changed the tactics, turning around the tide.