Arsenal's out-of-favour forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard sent a timely reminder to manager Mikel Arteta on Tuesday night, coming off the bench against Athletic Club to ensure the Gunners started their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 win. The north Londoners' expensively-assembled attack struggled to break down the hosts' defence, but the two players who have been linked with an Emirates exit delivered in style late on.
The north London team eased past Athletic Club 3-0 in a pre-season friendly last month but this was a much tougher test this time out. Arsenal spent more than £170 million ($232m) on a new attack comprising of Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke, but it was Martinelli who unlocked the Basque outfit's staunch backline.
A little more than 30 seconds after emerging from the bench with 20 minutes left on the clock, the Brazilian made a 40-yard run and showed excellent composure to slot a finish underneath the onrushing goalkeeper.
The 24-year-old, who – like Trossard – has been linked with an Arsenal departure, then set up his fellow substitute to put the game to bed three minutes from time, securing the three points for Arsenal in what was a tricky away trip to begin their league phase in the Champions League.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the San Mames…
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David Raya (7/10):
Arsenal's number one was rarely troubled but when he was tested, he stood up to what the Spanish outfit had to throw at him.
Jurrien Timber (8/10):
Was coollness personified at times. His decision-making was top notch, he was firm in the tackle, and the hosts got very little tune out of him.
Cristian Mosquera (8/10):
Continues to impress in William Saliba's absence. The summer signing is unlikely to keep the Frenchman out of the starting line-up when he returns from injury but he is proving his worth so far.
Gabriel (8/10):
The Brazilian is a commanding presence at the back and still offers an aerial threat in attack. The captain is just a class operator these days.
Riccardo Calafiori (8/10):
He is still keeping Myles Lewis-Skelly out of the team, and with solid displays like this, it is easy to understand why. May not offer as much as the teenager going forward, though.
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Declan Rice (6/10)
Seemed half a step slow compared to Athletic Club's midfield, particularly in the first half, and had to be careful after picking up an early yellow card. Did play a part in his team's first goal.
Martin Zubimendi (6/10):
Wasn't able to reproduce his heroics from Arsenal's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Mikel Merino (6/10):
Was part of a midfield that was a bit slack and didn't keep the ball well enough. Improved a bit as the game wore on.
AFPAttack
Noni Madueke (6/10):
Got plenty of chances to run at Athletic Club's defence but he was often well marshalled by Adam Boiro out on the right wing.
Viktor Gyokeres (5/10):
Had some half chances but this was a bit of a frustrating night for the Swedish striker. Was hooked just after the hour mark after suffering a head injury and not getting much service.
Eberechi Eze (5/10):
The England international did not look completely comfortable as a left-winger. It is early days but there is room for improvement, or perhaps a position switch is in order.
AFPSubs & Manager
Leandro Trossard (8/10):
Produced a lovely flick over the top to release Martinelli for Arsenal's opener. Then got on the scoresheet as well late on.
Gabriel Martinelli (9/10):
Showed great speed, quick feet to set himself, and a calmness in front of goal to put Arsenal one up. Brilliantly set up Trossard for Arsenal's second.
Christian Norgaard (6/10):
Brought on when the game was won and helped to see things out well.
Piero Hincapie (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Mikel Arteta (8/10):
His players are so well organised out of possession but they did not create enough clear-cut chances when trying to get forward. His substitutes had an instant impact to provide the necessary spark. Job done.