Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal kicked off their Champions League campaign with a gutsy win away to Athletic Club during the two sides’ first-ever competitive meeting. It’s the ideal start for Arsenal, as they look to go better than their semi-final appearance last season.
The visitors were forced to huff and puff at times in the first half, with Athletic approaching the match with the intensity of a final. The atmosphere in the San Mames matched the energy of the players, and while the Arsenal defence wasn’t particularly put under too much pressure, the Gunners’ midfield trio was harassed and hurried during a scrappy opening 45 minutes.
It’s no surprise that changes were needed for the first goal to arrive, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli coming off the bench to combine for the opener. The former lofted a ball in behind the Athletic backline, with Martinelli doing the rest. It was roles reversed for the second, with Martinelli turning provider for Trossard. Express Sport hands out player ratings from Arsenal’s 2-0 win in Bilbao.
David Raya – 6
Was quick off his line to sniff out a lightning-quick Athletic counter attack in the first half, and got down well to deny an Inaki Williams snap shot in the second. Hasn’t conceded from open play all season.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Kept things ticking on the right-hand side and linked up nicely at times with Noni Madueke ahead of him.
Cristhian Mosquera – 6
Impressed in the starting XI at the weekend and looked just as comfortable upon his return to Spain on Tuesday evening.
Gabriel – 7
Arsenal’s brick wall at the back and has shouldered the absence of partner William Saliba superbly. Sniffed out the danger any time the Basque side came forward.
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Riccardo Calafiori – 6
The fourth and final part of a sturdy Arsenal defence, who have looked imperious during the opening five games this season.
Martin Zubimendi – 6
He was tasked with a difficult job, given how effervescent the Athletic midfield was. Didn’t exactly deliver a masterclass, but he was certainly full of energy in the middle of the park.
Declan Rice – 6
Started the match a step below his usual standard and was caught out of position once or twice. The England international did grow into the game as it went on and sent a couple of tempting crosses into the box from set pieces.
Mikel Merino – 6
Came close just before Arsenal took the lead with a trademark header from inside the box, but countryman Simon was equal to it.
Eberechi Eze – 5
While he didn’t make contact with the ball, the Englishman saw Arsenal’s best chance of the first half come and go. He was caught on his heels when a cutback came his way in the area, with an Athletic defender beating him to the ball. Went missing in the second half and was subbed with Arsenal chasing a goal.
Viktor Gyokeres – 5
Took a nasty knock to the head in the first half and had to play the majority of the contest with a bandage wrapped around his head. Had seen a half chance saved by Simon in the first half, but was hooked midway through the second half.
Noni Madueke – 7
Picked up where he left off after Saturday’s impressive showing vs Nottingham Forest and has proved himself a capable deputy for Bukayo Saka during the winger’s absence. Ought to have slipped Gyokeres in for a tap-in when he opted to shoot instead and looked Arsenal’s most dangerous player before the substitutes.
Substitutes:
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Took him less than 40 seconds to make an impact after coming on. Looked as if he’d fluffed his chance with a dodgy first touch, but the winger recovered superbly and kept his cool in front of goal. He was almost even impressive for the Trossard assist. A welcome and perhaps much-needed cameo for the 24-year-old.
Leandro Trossard – 7
It was double delight as far as the Arsenal substitutes were concerned, with the Belgian the one who slipped Martinelli through on goal. Got a little lucky with a deflection for his goal, but he was certainly in the right place at the right time.
Christian Norgaard – N/A
Piero Hincapie – N/A
