Arsenal defeats Athletic Club in the Champions League: goals from Martinelli and Trossard.

According to The Sun: The second half for Arsenal in the Champions League match was crucial, as the first half was creatively lacking.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, who came off the bench, helped the team secure their first three points in the group stage, as their actions led Arsenal to victory over Athletic Club with a score of 2:0.

Gabriel Martinelli scored and provided an assist, which was a key moment in the game.

Leandro Trossard doubled Arsenal's lead.

Mikel Arteta decided to make changes due to a lack of creativity in the team's lineup without Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard.

Champions League debutants, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, could not make an impact on this evening.

Meanwhile, the team's defense performed excellently, which allowed for counterattacks thanks to the substitutions.

Player ratings for Arsenal in the match

David Raya – 7

Performed excellently in goal, especially when Athletic Club tried to attack quickly. Distributed the ball well, showing his skill against the opponent Unai Simon.

One moment raised concerns – after an unsuccessful pass he sent the ball out of bounds.

Jurriën Timber – 8

The Dutchman continues to prove he is one of the best right-backs in the Premier League, actively joining the attack.

His great cross to Viktor Gyökeres deserved more.

Gabriel – 7

The player impressed with two excellent blocks when the game intensified. He became the backbone of the defense.

Cristian Mosquera – 7

Quite stable play that allowed him to replace William Saliba without problems.

Riccardo Calafiori – 7

Notable for a successful tackle that stopped Bilbao's first real chance.

Martin Zubimendi – 6

Constantly looked for opportunities to receive the ball, but without support, he couldn't showcase his skills.

Declan Rice – 5

After returning to the starting lineup, his performance wasn't his best, particularly due to slow actions in duels.

Mikel Merino – 5

Actions were decent, but there was a lack of creativity without Ødegaard.

Eberechi Eze – 4

His debut in the Champions League was not special. His appearance on the left flank did not give him a chance to demonstrate himself.

Noni Madueke – 5

Despite an active performance, his final pass needs improvement.

Viktor Gyökeres – 4

Despite constant initiative, he failed to convert several opportunities.

Substitutes

Leandro Trossard (for Gyökeres, 65th min) – 8

Quality pass for Martinelli leading to the first goal.

Gabriel Martinelli (for Eze, 70th min) – 8

Scored just 36 seconds after coming onto the field, confirming his place in the starting lineup.

Piero Hincapié (for Calafiori, 91st min) – N/A

Cristian Norgaard (for Norgaard, 91st min) – N/A

This victory was an important milestone for Arsenal at the start of their Champions League campaign, especially considering that the team demonstrated activity in the second half of the match. Upcoming games will show whether Arsenal can maintain this form and continue their fight for a playoff berth.

The win over Athletic Club and the return of key players could lay the foundation for further success in this prestigious tournament.