- Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club in their Champions League opening match, marking the Spanish club’s return to the competition after an 11-year absence.
- Manager Mikel Arteta's tactical substitutions proved decisive, with 'finishers' Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard scoring both goals.
- Martinelli, who had been struggling for form, opened the scoring and assisted Trossard's goal, demonstrating his renewed importance to the team.
- Arteta emphasised the significance of “finishers” this season, highlighting their crucial role in securing wins and managing a large squad.
- The match also underscored Arsenal's squad depth and financial superiority compared to Athletic Club, a recurring theme in modern European football.
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