Arsenal secured a 2-0 Champions League victory over Athletic Club in Bilbao thanks to Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, who came off the bench.
After the departure of summer signings Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, Martinelli latched onto a ball over the top by Trossard in the 72nd minute to score the game-winning goal.
Martinelli then returned the favor for Trossard shortly after to seal the victory, the Belgian’s deflected drive leaving goalkeeper Unai Simon defenseless. In a hard-fought game, Arsenal’s replacements made the difference.
The Gunners, who were knocked out of the competition in the semi-finals by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain last season, were typically solid defensively against an Athletic side returning to the Champions League for the first time in 11 years.
The Basque side fought throughout the game, but Arsenal, who welcomed Declan Rice back into the starting lineup, overcame the intimidating atmosphere inside San Mames to earn three points and a perfect start to their European campaign.
