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Arsenal found a way to steal three points away from Athletic Club and did so with the help of Gabriel Martinelli. A player perhaps slightly ostracised, coming off the bench and producing a goal and an assist.
Another story being Leandro Trossard’s contributions matching that of his fellow substitute. While both Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke started the game, it was the old guard that won it for the North London side.
Mikel Arteta came in for criticism for his selection, but his in-game management, an area he also can be seen being scrutinised for, won Arsenal this game.
Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players:
David Raya – Well-timed header far outside his box to prevent a tap-in for Inaki Williams. Shot saved from Inaki Williams down low to the Spaniard’s left. 7
Jurrien Timber – Was a real threat alongside Noni Madueke, producing some excellent deliveries in the Athletic half and turning over the ball in dangerous areas. 8
Cristhian Mosquera – Beaten for pace by Alex Berenguer on the left who was unlucky top see his shot go wide. Overall however, he was impressive throughout and calm on the ball, including an impressive turnover in his own box when Unai Gomez looked a threat. 7
Gabriel Magalhaes – Forced into several early blocks in the box as the Athletic pressure mounted. However, a glaring mistake at the back allowed Roberto Navarro to win a corner for the home side that nearly opened the scoring. 7
Riccardo Calafiori – Everywhere, as we have come to expect. A little loose in some of his passes however which allowed Athletic more license to counter.
Broke up play excellently early in the second half, stopping a threatening attack with an outstretched leg. 7
Martin Zubimendi – Was finding it difficult to find the penetrating passes through an organised Athletic midfield. However, he grew into the second half and was an important anchor for the majority of the Gunners' attacks. 7
Declan Rice – Earned an early yellow card for a foul on the edge of the box, which gave the opportunity for Adama to strike, but his teammates bailed him out. Then did left a late leg dangling, which caught an opponent, but thankfully, the referee said nothing doing. 6
Mikel Merino – A pick scrutinised before kick-off by many, and after a half, lacking central penetration, it was clear to see why. However, as soon as Gyokeres came off and the Spaniard moved more toward the top end, he had a chance that could have been finished better but was caught by Simon. 6
Noni Madueke – Was robbed of an assist halfway through the first half by Andoni Gorosabel after a great cut-back. Unai Simon produced an excellent one-handed stop at close range from a tight angle to stop the winger giving the Gunners the lead. 7
Eberechi Eze – Needed to want the cut-back from Madueke more in the first half but waited instead and missed out on a great chance. Perhaps a game which didn’t suit his style on the left and a note for the future. 5
Viktor Gyokeres – Created a chance for himself after a long run down the left but his shot lacked power on the stretch with his weaker foot. Not long after he saw a diving headed effort go wide that he arguably should be getting on target and another headed effort in the second half also failed to hit the target. 6
Substitutes:
Leandro Trossard – Replacing Viktor Gyokeres and causing a reshuffle, he moved into a central role after Arteta’s comments and suggestions that it was indeed an option for him. And it worked, a flicked pass for Martinelli’s first and finishing with a touch of luck for the Gunners’ second. 8
Gabriel Martinelli – 36 seconds is all it took for the Brazilian winger to come on and score past Unai Simon in such a high pressure moment. Then an assist to follow it up, finding Trossard free to chip Unai Simon. 8
Christian Norgaard – Came on too late to make an impact. n/a
Piero Hincapie - Came on too late to make an impact. n/a
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