For all the money spent, for all the attacking talent that Arsenal have recruited this summer, it was two forwards whose future appeared to be elsewhere who earned a hard-fought victory in their opening Champions League group game.

Mikel Arteta’s second half substitutions make the difference as Arsenal’s squad depth shines through in Champions League opener

MIKEL ARTETA claimed he KNEW Gabriel Martinelli would be Arsenal’s saviour off the bench to snatch a late Champions League victory. Martinelli scored in the 72nd minute with only his FOURTH touch

Gabriel Martinelli has revealed he told his team-mates how he would exploit Athletic Bilbao just moments before coming off the bench and sending Arsenal on their way to victory.

Victory in Bilbao means they have become the first club in Champions League history to win six matches in a row against Spanish opposition. It extends a run of wins after they beat Girona, Sevilla (twice) and Real Madrid (twice) over the last two seasons.

Gabriel Martinelli has been linked with a move to one of Europe's biggest clubs just moments after his impressive Arsenal cameo. The Brazilian was introduced against Athletic Club with 71 minutes on the clock, but he wasted no time, breaking the deadlock just 36 seconds after coming on.

GOAL brings you player ratings from Arsenal's 2-0 Champions League win away at Athletic Club as second-half substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard ensured the three points headed back to north London with Mikel Arteta's side.

Gabriel Martinelli has been aware of the criticism and debate from fans about his place in the Arsenal team, but the two moments of play that led to the Gunners' two goals against Athletic Club showed why Mikel Arteta has kept faith with the 24-year-old.

Fabrizio Romano shares Arsenal's internal view on Gabriel Martinelli's future amid exit rumours, highlighting his impact and the club's happiness.