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“Impactors,” the Arsenal manager dubbed them, and Gabriel Martinelli certainly made a massive difference at San Mamés. At times you only need a moment to change the history of a football club,” Arteta previously commented, and while describing the match-winning goal in such historic language might be a stretch, the launch of their European adventure emphasized exactly why he has insisted on the importance of bench quality.

Impact Substitutes Shift the Game

On a night where Arsenal were missing several important players and found it tough to get past a durable their opponents, the key emerged from the substitutes. Gabriel Martinelli, who had been on the pitch for just under a minute, burst behind the defence and composedly slid the ball under Unai Simón to settle the deadlock with 18 minutes remaining.

Providing the assist was another substitute, who come on only five minutes earlier than his teammate. Trossard subsequently sealed the result with a clinching goal in the dying stages of the contest. Last season, Arteta had pointed out his squad’s shortage of quality off the bench; in this match, it was the contribution from the substitutes that proved the deciding factor.

A Tough Battle

For much of a noisy night in the Basque Country, Arsenal found it difficult to create obvious chances. Noni Madueke was the most consistent attacking outlet for much of the match. However, a unclaimed ball in midfield dropped to Trossard, who swiftly lofted a through ball into the channel for Martinelli to chase.

Despite a somewhat heavy initial control, Martinelli recovered brilliantly, evading the defender before scoring under the shot-stopper. The away fans erupted elatedly in a section of the stadium.

Late in the game, Trossard scored a one more to confirm a memorable win on the first night of their Champions League campaign.

Statistical Gap Noted

An interesting difference in squad investment was apparent: The visitors’ lineup was worth around €567m, while their opponents’ corresponding outfit amounted to just €12m. Yet, the home team refused to offer that as an reason not to challenge, and during extended phases of the game, they adequately competed evenly.

The Gunners dominated possession in the early phase but without clear cutting edge. The home side came into the match and generated chances of their own, with a midfielder hitting the first notable shot on goal, which was deflected by Gabriel Magalhães.

As the game continued, each teams exchanged chances, with the visitors slowly gaining control as the first half progressed. Viktor Gyökeres had a chance stopped by Simón after getting into the penalty area, and subsequently headed narrowly past from a delivery.

Following the half-time, Madueke remained being dangerous, drawing a smart stop from the Athletic keeper at his front post. Arsenal’s goalkeeper was also tested by Iñaki Williams as the hosts pushed for an opener.

However, it was Arteta’s changes that proved pivotal. Sending on of Martinelli and Trossard utterly transformed the dynamic, offering the momentum necessary to earn a crucial on the road win in Europe.