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“Game-changers,” Mikel Arteta dubbed them, and the Brazilian winger undoubtedly produced quite an impact at San Mamés. Occasionally you just need an instant to transform the legacy of a team,” Arteta earlier commented, and although describing the match-winning goal in these historic words might be a stretch, the beginning of their European journey highlighted just why he constantly emphasized on the importance of strength in depth.

Impact Substitutes Turn the Match

On a night where Arsenal were missing seven first-team players and found it tough to break down a stubborn their opponents, the key was provided by the reserves. The young Brazilian, having only been introduced for mere under a minute, sprinted past the backline and coolly slotted the ball past the shot-stopper to open the deadlock with just under twenty minutes remaining.

Providing the through ball was another substitute, who had entered just five minutes earlier than Martinelli. He then secured the result with a clinching goal in the closing seconds of the contest. Last season, Arteta had highlighted his squad’s shortage of options; in this match, it was their impact from the substitutes that was the deciding factor.

A Hard-Fought Battle

For much of a noisy night in the Basque Country, Arsenal had trouble to create genuine openings. The winger remained the biggest attacking outlet for much of the match. But, a loose ball in the center of the park fell to Trossard, who quickly played a through ball into the path for the rapid forward to run onto.

Even with a somewhat heavy first touch, Martinelli recovered superbly, skipping past his marker before netting under the keeper. The away traveling contingent celebrated wildly in a area of the stadium.

Late in the match, Trossard notched a second to confirm a important win on the opening matchday of their European journey.

Statistical Difference Highlighted

The stark gap in squad valuation was apparent: Arsenal’s starting XI was priced around €567m, while their opponents’ equivalent team was valued at just a minimal amount. However, Athletic declined to use that as an justification not to compete, and during extended phases of the match, they more than matched their opponents.

The Gunners held the ball in the early stages but lacking clear cutting edge. Athletic stepped into the game and created opportunities of their own, with a midfielder hitting the earliest real shot on goal, which was deflected by Gabriel Magalhães.

As the match continued, both sides had openings, with Arsenal gradually taking dominance as the opening period wore on. The striker was denied by Simón after sprinting into the penalty area, and subsequently headed a fraction wide from a delivery.

After the half-time, the winger remained being dangerous, forcing a good save from Simón at his front post. Arsenal’s goalkeeper was also forced to save by the Athletic forward as the home side pushed for an advantage.

Ultimately, it was the manager’s changes that proved match-winning. Sending on of Martinelli and Trossard totally changed the match, providing the momentum required to claim a crucial away three points in the Champions League.