Athletic Club vs Arsenal live: Mikel Arteta’s substitutions make the difference as Gunners win Champions League opener
Athletic Club 0-2 Arsenal: Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both score and assist off the bench to guide the Gunners to victory
Mikel Arteta's substitutes made the difference as Arsenal overcame the tough test of Athletic Club to get their Champions League campaign off to winning ways.
After what had been a frustrating 70 minutes for the visitors, Gabriel Martinelli was brought off the bench to breathe some life into the game and made an impact within a minute of his introduction.
The Brazilian burst in behind, played through by fellow substitution Leandro Trossard, before slotting past Unai Simon to break the deadlock.
Trossard then doubled Arsenal's lead with three minutes to play - Martinelli this time turning provider - sealing the points and an opening night victory for the Gunners.
Follow all the build-up, team news and minute-by-minute updates from Bilbao in our live blog:
Arsenal get Champions League campaign off to winning ways
How the table looks
That result puts Arsenal second in the league phase table, though of course only four teams have played games so far.
The Gunners are second on goals scored, with Union Saint-Gilloise in first after putting three past PSV in their opener.
Bilbao are in last after the first match of the campaign.
More to come!
Back to North London now, and Tottenham are about to kick off their Champions League opener at home to Villarreal.
We’ve got minute-by-minute updates from the game - switch over to make sure you don’t miss a beat!
Alternatively, stick around for more reaction from Bilbao. You’re spoilt for choice.
Tottenham vs Villarreal live: Spurs begin Champions League campaign
Next up
Arsenal’s next match is another big one, with the Gunners hosting Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday in the Premier League. That one kicks off on Sunday, 21 September at 4.30pm.
Their next Champions League match comes against Olympiacos at home on 1 October, with that one getting started at 8pm.
FULL-TIME! Athletic Club 0-2 Arsenal
A deserved win for the Gunners in truth, though they toiled for much of the match before the subs.
A win is a win though, and they have the perfect start to their European campaign with a win at a difficult venue.
FULL-TIME! Athletic Club 0-2 Arsenal
FULL-TIME! Athletic Club 0-2 Arsenal
That’s it! The referee brings the game to an end and Arsenal are off to a winning start in the Champions League!
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