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“Impactors,” Mikel Arteta dubbed them, and Gabriel Martinelli undoubtedly delivered quite an impact at the iconic Basque stadium. Occasionally you only need a second to change the history of a team,” the Gunners’ boss previously commented, and even if characterizing the pivotal goal in such historic language might be a stretch, the launch of their Champions League campaign underscored just why he constantly emphasized on the importance of bench quality.

Impact Substitutes Shift the Tie

In a match where Arsenal were missing several first-team individuals and had difficulty to penetrate a durable their opponents, the key came from the reserves. The young Brazilian, after having been subbed on for mere 36 seconds, burst beyond the defence and calmly placed the ball beyond Unai Simón to open the stalemate with 18 minutes to go.

Providing the assist was another substitute, who joined the action only a short while prior to his teammate. He then sealed the win with a second goal in the dying moments of the match. Previously, Arteta had lamented his team’s shortage of quality off the bench; on this occasion, it was their contribution from the substitutes that proved the difference.

A Hard-Fought Battle

Through long periods of a raucous evening in Bilbao, Arsenal had trouble to create genuine chances. Noni Madueke remained the most consistent danger for large parts of the match. But, a misplaced ball in the center of the park landed to the substitute, who quickly lofted a pass into the path for the rapid forward to attack.

Even with a a bit overhit first touch, he recovered superbly, evading his marker before netting under the goalkeeper. Arsenal’s supporters erupted elatedly in a area of the ground.

Deep in the game, the Belgian notched a another to confirm a historic victory on the opening matchday of their UCL return.

Investment Gap Noted

The stark difference in team cost was apparent: The visitors’ team was valued around €567m, while Athletic Bilbao’s equivalent team amounted to just a minimal amount. However, Athletic declined to use that as an reason not to challenge, and for long periods of the game, they adequately held their own.

The Gunners held possession in the opening phase but showing genuine intent. The home side stepped into the game and generated opportunities of their own, with a midfielder hitting the earliest meaningful effort on goal, which was stopped by the defender.

As the match progressed, both teams created opportunities, with the visitors gradually taking control as the opening period progressed. The striker saw his effort saved by the keeper after breaking into the penalty area, and later headed just past from a cross.

Following the break, Madueke kept posing a threat, forcing a fine stop from Simón at his front post. David Raya was also forced to save by Iñaki Williams as the home side pushed for an opener.

In the end, it was the manager’s substitutions that proved match-winning. Bringing on of Martinelli and the creative attacker utterly changed the match, providing the impetus required to earn a crucial away win in the Champions League.