Second-half substitutes seal the victory for Arsenal in Bilbao

The highly anticipated Champions League match between Athletic Club and Arsenal ended 2-0 in the Gunners’ favour.

Both teams were evenly matched in the first 15 minutes, as no real chances were created.

Arsenal soon found their first real chance in the 20th minute as Jurrien Timber dispossessed Bilbao’s captain Iñaki Williams for Noni Madueke to collect and square the ball across to Eze, who was poised to strike, but Gorosabel made a last-ditch clearance.

Gyokeres had the chance to break the deadlock three minutes later, when Merino laid the ball over to him, but the Swedish striker struck the ball into Unai Simon’s gloves.

At the 30th minute mark, Gyokeres suffered a head injury after a head collision with Gabriel from a Rice set-piece delivery, but the striker was okay to continue as he was bandaged up.

In the closing stages of the first half, Berenguer came close as he slipped into the box from the left, but he dragged his shot wide.

The half-time whistle blew after a set-piece was headed over the bar by Sancet, and it remained goalless at the break.

Gyokeres’ hold-up play allowed Madueke to run in behind, and he nearly caught out Unai Simon in his near post with a shot from a tight angle, but the Spanish international palmed it away.

Iñaki Williams had a chance to give the host the lead in the 57th minute, but his shot was well saved by David Raya.

The Gunners finally found the breakthrough with Martinelli 36 seconds after coming off the bench. The Brazilian was set up with a beautiful flick from Trossard at the halfway line, who finished brilliantly against Simon.

The substitutes combined again; this time Martinelli turned the provider after running down the left flank and cutting back for Trossard, who digs out a finish via a little deflection into the roof of the net.

The North London side hosts Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday in their next game.