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“Difference-makers,” Mikel Arteta dubbed them, and the Brazilian winger certainly produced a decisive contribution at San Mamés. At times you only need an instant to alter the history of a football club,” the Gunners’ boss earlier commented, and while describing the match-winning goal in these grand terms might be pushing it, the launch of their Champions League journey highlighted exactly why he constantly emphasized on the value of strength in depth.

Bench Heroes Change the Tie

During an evening where Arsenal lacked multiple first-team players and found it tough to break down a durable their opponents, the solution emerged from the bench. The young Brazilian, who had been on the pitch for just under a minute, sprinted beyond the defence and calmly slotted the ball beyond the goalkeeper to settle the deadlock with just under twenty minutes left.

Providing the through ball was another substitute, who had entered only a short while prior to his teammate. Trossard later sealed the victory with a clinching goal in the final moments of the match. Last season, Arteta had lamented his team’s absence of quality off the bench; on this occasion, it was the impact from the bench that proved the deciding factor.

A Hard-Fought Encounter

During large parts of a raucous evening in Bilbao, the visitors had trouble to carve out obvious opportunities. Noni Madueke posed the most consistent danger for large parts of the game. Yet, a misplaced ball in midfield dropped to the substitute, who quickly lofted a ball into space for the rapid forward to chase.

Even with a somewhat strong initial control, Martinelli adjusted brilliantly, evading his marker before netting beyond the goalkeeper. The away fans celebrated elatedly in a section of the ground.

In the closing moments in the game, Trossard scored a second to confirm a historic result on the first matchday of their Champions League campaign.

Financial Gap Highlighted

The interesting contrast in team cost was apparent: Arsenal’s starting XI was priced around a massive sum, while their opponents’ equivalent side stood at just €12m. But, Athletic did not want to use that as an reason not to challenge, and for long periods of the match, they fully held their own.

The Gunners controlled the ball in the opening minutes but lacking clear cutting edge. The home side stepped into the game and produced openings of their own, with a midfielder firing the earliest notable shot on goal, which was stopped by the defender.

As the match wore on, each teams created opportunities, with the visitors slowly gaining the upper hand as the first half progressed. The striker had a chance stopped by Simón after sprinting into the penalty area, and later headed just off target from a cross.

After the half-time, Madueke continued being dangerous, forcing a fine save from Simón at his front post. Arsenal’s goalkeeper was likewise forced to save by Iñaki Williams as the home side sought for an advantage.

However, it was Arteta’s changes that turned out to be match-winning. The introduction of the pacey forward and the creative attacker totally changed the game, providing the impetus needed to claim a important away win in Europe.