In an impressive display of depth and resilience, Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory against Athletic Club in their opening Champions League match, thanks to impactful performances from substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. Both players came off the bench to not only score but also assist each other, showcasing the importance of Arsenal's squad rotation.

Manager Mikel Arteta emphasized the significance of "finishers" in his squad, drawing inspiration from rugby union, where players often come off the bench to change the game's dynamics. Despite being sidelined recently, Martinelli and Trossard proved their value, with Martinelli netting the fastest-ever substitute goal in Champions League history just 36 seconds after entering the match. This triumph comes at a time when Arsenal is missing key players like Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz due to injuries, placing an increased burden on the remaining squad members.

Arteta expressed his satisfaction with the duo's performance, highlighting the emotional difficulty of leaving talented players out of the starting lineup but acknowledging the necessity of their contributions. He praised Martinelli's commitment and work ethic, asserting that such moments of success could help restore the winger's confidence after a challenging period. The manager's belief in his players and their ability to connect on the pitch will be crucial as Arsenal looks to build on this momentum in the Champions League and beyond.