In a thrilling Champions League opener, Arsenal demonstrated their squad depth with a 2-0 victory against Athletic Club in Bilbao. Substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard were the heroes of the night, scoring both goals within minutes of entering the pitch.

Instant Impact from the Bench

Gabriel Martinelli made an immediate impact, scoring just 36 seconds after replacing Eberechi Eze. His goal came from a precise pass by Leandro Trossard, who had also been introduced as a substitute six minutes earlier. Martinelli later turned provider, setting up Trossard for Arsenal's second goal, sealing the victory.

Arteta's Confidence in the Squad

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, expressed his confidence in the team's depth. "Sometimes the finishers will be more important than the starters this season," Arteta said. "The substitutes made the impact to win the game. They are at least equally important, and maybe more important, in that stage of games."

Summer Signings and Squad Depth

Arsenal's summer recruitment has significantly bolstered their squad. Players like Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke were all part of the action in Bilbao. The bench also included promising talents such as Ethan Nwaneri and 15-year-old wonderkid Max Dowman, highlighting the team's formidable depth.

Historical Context

The importance of substitutes in the Champions League is well-documented. From Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's late goals for Manchester United in 1999 to Divock Origi's crucial contributions for Liverpool in 2019, impactful substitutes have often been the difference in winning the tournament.

Looking Ahead

While this victory is just the beginning, the manner in which Arsenal achieved it sends a strong message to their future opponents. With a squad capable of changing games from the bench, Arsenal are well-positioned to make a deep run in this season's Champions League.