“Difference-makers,” Mikel Arteta referred to them, and the Brazilian winger certainly delivered a massive difference at the iconic Basque stadium. “Sometimes you only need a second to transform the story of a team,” the Gunners’ boss previously stated, and while describing the pivotal goal in these dramatic terms might be an overstatement, the beginning of their Champions League journey emphasized exactly why he has insisted on the importance of strength in depth.
Super Subs Turn the Game
During an evening where Arsenal lacked several key individuals and had difficulty to penetrate a resilient the Basque outfit, the answer was provided by the reserves. The young Brazilian, who had been on the pitch for just half a minute, raced beyond the defence and calmly slid the ball beyond Unai Simón to settle the deadlock with 18 minutes left.
Providing the assist was the Belgian forward, who had entered only a short while before Martinelli. Trossard subsequently secured the result with a second goal in the dying stages of the game. Last season, the manager had pointed out his team’s shortage of options; this time around, it was the impact from the bench that was the deciding factor.
A Hard-Fought Battle
For much of a noisy evening in the Basque Country, Arsenal struggled to carve out obvious openings. The winger was the most consistent threat for a significant stretch of the game. But, a misplaced ball in the center of the park dropped to Trossard, who quickly played a ball into space for Martinelli to run onto.
Despite a somewhat heavy initial control, he adjusted superbly, evading Andoni Gorosabel before finishing past the keeper. Arsenal’s fans cheered elatedly in a corner of the stadium.
Late in the game, Trossard notched a one more to complete a memorable result on the opening matchday of their European journey.
Investment Difference Noted
An notable contrast in squad cost was evident: Arsenal’s starting XI was valued around €567m, while Athletic Bilbao’s corresponding outfit amounted to just a minimal amount. However, the Basque side did not want to cite that as an excuse not to challenge, and for long periods of the match, they more than competed evenly.
Arsenal dominated the ball in the early minutes but showing real cutting edge. Athletic came into the game and produced opportunities of their own, with Mikel Jauregizar hitting the earliest real shot on goal, which was deflected by the defender.
While the match continued, both teams had openings, with the visitors gradually taking the upper hand as the first half progressed. Viktor Gyökeres was denied by Simón after sprinting into the area, and subsequently glanced a fraction wide from a delivery.
After the break, the winger remained being dangerous, forcing a good save from the Athletic keeper at his near post. Arsenal’s goalkeeper was likewise forced to save by Iñaki Williams as the hosts pushed for an advantage.
In the end, it was Arteta’s changes that proved pivotal. Bringing on of the pacey forward and Trossard utterly transformed the game, offering the impetus necessary to claim a vital away win in the Champions League.
