ARSENAL’S second half substitutes inspired a winning start to their Champions League campaign after a lack of creativity in the first 45 minutes.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard came off the bench to both pick up a goal and an assist and bank Arsenal’s first thee points in the league phase.
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Mikel Arteta had to turn to his substitutes after his side lacked creativity without the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard available.
Champions League debutants Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke were unable to make it a night to remember on a personal level.
While the Gunners’ back line kept as sturdy as ever to ensure the substitutes had a platform to build on.
Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Hall rated each Arsenal player’s performance on the night…
DAVID RAYA – 7
Great positioning to win a header when Athletic Club tried to catch the Gunners with a quick ball launched forward to Inaki Williams.
Some nice distribution from the Spaniard too, who was trying to impress up against Bilbao’s Unai Simon – the man who keeps Spain’s No.1 shirt off him on international duty.
One shaky moment after an awkward ball was played back towards him under pressure that he punted for a throw-in.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 8
The Dutchman has made a name for himself as one of the Premier League’s best defensive right-back’s since his arrival at Arsenal.
He now looks to be adding some more attacking contribution to his game as was exemplified by some smart touches and bursting forward runs.
While his delightful cross into Viktor Gyokeres deserved more from the Swedish front-man.
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GABRIEL – 7
Two brilliant blocks when the atmosphere appeared to be getting the better of Arsenal in the opening 20 minutes.
You would be hard pressed to find a better centre-half in Europe at the moment.
The Brazilian, who wore the captain’s armband in Martin Odegaard’s absence, is a calming presence at the back whenever Arsenal are under the cosh.
CRISTHIAN MOSQUERA – 7
Nothing outstanding in terms of contribution from the summer signing, but that could be the biggest compliment you could pay him.
In William Saliba’s absence, Mosquera has slotted in seamlessly.
Looks a bargain at just £13m.
RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7
Well-timed tackle to stop Bilbao’s first real chance of the game.
While his marauding runs down the left flank are always entertaining.
Another strong appearance from the Italian.
MARTIN ZUBIMENDI – 6
Always making himself an option to receive the ball no matter the situation.
But his attempts to be the conductor were often stunted by a lack of movement from the players in front of him.
DECLAN RICE – 5
Back in the starting XI after being dropped by Mikel Arteta for Arsenal’s win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Not his finest performance as he seemed just a half-yard off the pace going into tackles.
An early yellow card meant he was always having to be cautious and take his foot off the pedal compared to his usual full throttle style of play.
While he did little to shoulder some of the creative burden that was needed from Arsenal’s midfield.
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MIKEL MERINO – 5
Some nice touches in the middle of the park but lacks the creativity that Arsenal get with Odegaard, who was ruled out with his shoulder injury.
That was until he was shifted into the centre-forward position when Viktor Gyokeres was taken off by Arteta.
For some reason Merino seems to play his best football as the Gunners’ striker, causing problems and winning the physical battle up against the opposition centre-backs.
EBERECHI EZE – 4
A Champions League debut for the England international.
Although he may remember this night for years to come, given the occasion, it wasn’t a performance that will live long in the memories of the Arsenal fans.
Eze was forced out wide on the left again rather than in his preferred central position.
Ultimately replaced by natural wide-man Gabriel Martinelli, who had an instant impact.
NONI MADUEKE – 5
Off the back of tormenting Morato at the weekend, Madueke made even more piecing runs round the back of his opposite man.
The winger always looks dangerous when he gets into those advanced positions, but needs to work on making sure the final ball is targeted at a teammate and not an aimless poke into the six-yard box.
That said, he put it on place for Eze after around 22 minutes, only for the ball to be nicked away by a Bilbao defender at the last second.
VIKTOR GYOKERES – 4
Continues to make runs no matter the game-state, something Arsenal have been screaming out for for years.
However, he failed to make the most of handful of chances when his teammates found those runs.
Notably flashed wide a header from a superb cross from Timber in the first half and wasted a free header in the second half after a Declan Rice free-kick.
The striker was left with a huge gash on the back of his head after a friendly fire clash of heads with Gabriel during the first spell, but got back to his feet to continue regardless.
SUBS
LEANDRO TROSSARD (for Gyokeres, 65min) – 8
A brilliant flick to find Gabriel Martinelli to set up Arsenal’s openoing goal.
Many fans thought Trossard was surplus to requirement this summer, but he never fails to make an impact when used off the bench.
He added a goal to guarantee a winning start to Arsenal’s European campaign with just three minutes to play.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI (for Eze, 70min) – 8
It took just 36 seconds for Martinelli to score and silence those who have doubted him this season.
After Eze struggled on the left flank, Martinelli showed the worth in having an out-and-out winger with blistering pace on the pitch.
While his close control allowed him to set up Trossard for Arsenal’s second in the late stages of the game.
Food for thought for Mikel Arteta.
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