Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal

'There should be a wee change' – Eberechi Eze's poor Champions League debut explained as Arsenal team-mate blamed for on-pitch relationship

Ally McCoist has explained why Eberechi Eze had a poor Champions League debut as he blamed another Arsenal player for preventing the former Crystal Palace star from realising his full potential. A gritty Athletic Club side at San Mames pushed Mikel Arteta’s men to their limits before late goals from substitutes Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli sealed a hard-fought 2-0 win.

Arsenal player ratings vs Athletic Club: Don't write Gabriel Martinelli off yet! Super-sub instantly outshines Viktor Gyokeres & blunt big-money attack as Gunners grind out hard-fought opening Champions League win in Bilbao

Arsenal's out-of-favour forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard sent a timely reminder to manager Mikel Arteta on Tuesday night, coming off the bench against Athletic Club to ensure the Gunners started their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 win. The north Londoners' expensively-assembled attack struggled to break down the hosts' defence, but the two players who have been linked with an Emirates exit delivered in style late on.

Martin Zubimendi is showing why he – not Viktor Gyokeres – was Arsenal's signing of the summer

Heading into the summer, Arsenal fans were told to expect an 'unprecedented' window by transfer reporters. The club held up that end of the bargain, splashing out roughly £250 million ($340m) on new players to bolster Mikel Arteta's squad as they look to end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title. Through four games of the season, their recruits look right at home.

Mikel Arteta quizzed on Arsenal's interest in Nico Williams ahead of Champions League meeting with Athletic Club

Mikel Arteta was asked about Arsenal’s summer interest in Nico Williams as he faced the press ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League opener against Athletic Club. The San Sebastian-born coach played down speculation over a potential move for the Spain international but admitted the winger is a “fantastic player” admired at both club and international level.