MARTINELLI INSPIRES ARSENAL VICTORY OVER ATHLETIC CLUB
Super-sub Gabriel Martinelli scored just 36 seconds after entering the pitch and created a second goal as Arsenal began their UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory at Athletic Club.
Martinelli’s first act was to latch onto a flick from fellow replacement Leandro Trossard, run through on goal shoot under the goalkeeper – breaking the deadlock in the 71st minute.
He later set up Trossard for a second, getting to the byline and cutting the ball back for the Belgian, whose effort was deflected past Unai Simon and into the net.
Highlights: Super subs Martinelli & Trossard make instant impact as Arsenal overcome Athletic Club
Video credit: TNT Sports
Despite starting brightly in what was their first Champions League match for 11 years, the hosts failed to really test David Raya in the Arsenal goal. Viktor Gyokeres squandered what was probably the game’s best chance until Martinelli’s opener, sending a free header wide from a free-kick.
The Gunners were without the injured Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz – plus William Saliba was deemed fit enough only for the bench – and started five new signings, illustrating the new level of depth at Mikel Arteta’s disposal this season.
Arsenal become the first-ever team to win six straight Champions League matches against Spanish opposition.
Image credit: Getty Images
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STATS SHOW ARSENAL DOMINANCE
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FOUR MORE GAMES ABOUT TO KICK OFF
To follow all the rest of today's Champions League action, with Tottenham, Real Madrid and Juventus all in action, head to our multiplex.
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TNT SPORTS EXPERTS HEAP PRAISE ON MARTINELLI, ARSENAL'S DEPTH
"That's the new competition for places," says Martin Keown on TNT Sports, discussing Martinelli impact and place on the bench.
"Martinelli [showed] such hunger when he came on, completely changed the game, Trossard assist as well and then he grabbed his goal, so that's really good news for the manager, for the club. Happy days - 2-0 win away from home."
Steve McManaman adds that "Martinelli did more in five minutes than Eze did in 65-70 minutes.
"Eze will watch that performance tonight when he goes back and say 'this is a different class of opposition'. They're quicker, stronger than he faced in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, and he knows his level will have to jump up. You're now playing big-boy football in the Champions League. If you want to compete, you have to be quicker, you have to better than he showed tonight."
Image credit: Getty Images
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19:47
19:47
WATCH: TROSSARD DOUBLES THE ARSENAL LEAD
Two goals from substitutes, and two goals Martinelli played a starring role in, having been assisted by Trossard for the first.
This video can only be viewed in the UK and Ireland.
Trossard doubles Arsenal lead as subs make the difference in Bilbao
Video credit: TNT Sports
90+7'
90+7'
FULL TIME: ATHLETIC CLUB 0-2 ARSENAL
It's a great start to the Champions League campaign for Arsenal, a road win, thanks in no small part to Martinelli. He scored 36 seconds after coming on and then created the Gunners' second.
Bigger tests are to come, for sure, but to win here while significantly understrength sees Arsenal send a message.
Image credit: Getty Images
90+4'
90+4'
ARSENAL ABOUT TO MAKE HISTORY
They will be the first team to win sixth straight Champions League games against Spanish opposition.
90+3'
90+3'
MORE STRING ARSENAL DEFENDING
Mosquera mops up danger on the Gunners' right. That Saliba has not been missed tonight underlines how impressive Mosquera has been.
90+1'
90+1'
SIX ADDED MINUTES
That second goal has really taken the wind out of Athletic's sails.
90'
90'
TWO ARSENAL DEBUTS
Hincapie and Norgaard replace Calafiori and Madueke. Both are making their Arsenal debut.
87'
87'
GOAL! ATHLETIC CLUB 0-2 ARSENAL (TROSSARD)
Game over, surely, and another goal for a substitute!
Martinelli screeches past Gorosabel, gets to the byline and then picks out Trossard. He takes a touch, pauses, then shoots and a deflection takes it past the goalkeeper, into the net.
Martinelli has completely changed the game.
85'
85'
ARSENAL CORNER COMES TO NOTHING
It's just their second of the night.
Athletic have a chance to break after clearing, but Trossard gets back well to make an interception.
82'
82'
WATCH: MARTINELLI GIVES ARSENAL THE LEAD
Quite the substitution.
This video can only be viewed in the UK and Ireland.
‘What an impact!’- Martinelli scores just 36 seconds after coming on as Arsenal make breakthrough
Video credit: TNT Sports
81'
81'
NOW CALAFIORI IS DOWN
No sooner has plauy resumed than Calafiori gets a kick on the ankle and stays down.
Rego and Serrano come on for Vesga and Gomez for the home team while Calafiori is treated.
79'
79'
MERINO AND GOMEZ CLASH HEADS
There's a delay in play while the Arsenal man receives treatment.
Gomez has already left the pitch and will need to be replaced; he has a cut above the eye.
76'
76'
INSTANT IMPACT
76'
76'
DO THE HOSTS HAVE A COUNTER-PUNCH?
Calafiori blocks a cross as the hosts go in search of an equaliser.
Already without a recognized striker on the pitch, you feel Arsenal are well set up to defend a lead.
72'
72'
GOAL! ATHLETIC CLUB 0-1 ARSENAL (MARTINELLI)
What an impact!
Trossard flicks a loose ball over the top for Martinelli, he takes it away from the defender with a brilliant second touch, runs through on goal and then finishes under Simon! Arsenal lead less than a minute after Martinelli was introduced.
71'
71'
ENTER MARTINELLI
Eze kaes way, after a testing first Champions League appearance.
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Highlights: Super subs Martinelli & Trossard make instant impact as Arsenal overcome Athletic Club
Video credit: TNT Sports
Image credit: Getty Images