Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal: Martinelli comes off bench to inspire win

Arsenal substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored 36 seconds after coming off the bench and then made a second as the Gunners started their Champions League campaign with a fine win in Bilbao.

The Brazil winger replaced Eberechi Eze in the 71st minute and made an instant and telling impact, running on to Leandro Trossard’s flick and beating Unai Simon.

Gabriel Martinelli scores Arsenal's opener just 36 seconds after coming on ⏰ pic.twitter.com/nRdsakakYW

Martinelli then scampered past a defender on the left to cut the ball back to fellow sub Trossard, and his deflected shot went in off the post to seal the win with three minutes left.

The game had been deadlocked for much of the game as the first meeting of the sides failed to catch fire.

But the Gunners, bolstered by their summer signings and stronger-looking squad, kicked on to take all three points.

72’ Martinelli goal, Trossard assist.

87’ Trossard goal, Martinelli assist.

Mikel Arteta masterclass 🧠 pic.twitter.com/wwS0u6KLl8