Arsenal: The Key Depth in Champions League, Martinelli Goalscorer

In a match that demonstrated the depth and quality of the squad, Arsenal began their journey in the UEFA Champions League with a 2-0 victory against Athletic Club in Bilbao. The key to the triumph lay in the immediate impact of the substitutes, solidifying the ambitions of Mikel Arteta’s team.

Martinelli and Trossard: Luxury Revulsives

Gabriel Martinelli’s entry in the 70th minute, replacing Eberechi Eze, changed the course of the match in just 36 seconds. A pass from Leandro Trossard, who had entered the field six minutes earlier, allowed Martinelli to score a crucial goal. Fifteen minutes later, Martinelli assisted Trossard to secure the victory, demonstrating the team’s ability to generate impact from the bench.

“Sometimes, the finishers will be more important than the starters this season,” Arteta commented after the match. “And in the end, the finishers made the difference to win the game. The substitutes are at least equally important, and perhaps more important, at that stage of the matches.”

Mikel Arteta

The coach highlighted the importance of Martinelli, praising his attitude, commitment, and positivity. In addition, he emphasized the connection between Martinelli and Trossard, anticipating a significant impact on the season.

The difference between this season and the previous one, where Arsenal was eliminated in the semi-finals, is notable. The club has invested significantly in new talents, including Viktor Gyökeres, Noni Madueke, and Martín Zubimendi, among others. Additionally, Arteta has a wide range of quality players on the bench, such as William Saliba and Ethan Nwaneri, which gives him great tactical flexibility. Although the absence of Martin Ødegaard, due to a shoulder injury, is a setback, Arteta now has approximately 20 players he can rely on to perform at the highest level against any opponent. This depth is crucial in the Champions League. The history of the competition is full of examples of teams that have triumphed thanks to their substitutes. The coach knows that he now has players who can be decisive, such as Origi, Solskjaer or Rodrygo. The victory against Athletic Club is not only a good start, but also a declaration of intent. Arsenal has shown that they can win matches from the bench, which could be a psychological advantage over their rivals.