Champions League Kick-Off: Gunners Grind Out Win in Bilbao
The Gunners began their Champions League campaign with a solid 2-0 win away at Athletic Club Bilbao. It wasn’t a fireworks display, but it was composed, professional, and showed the kind of maturity the Arsenal team is starting to show in European away games. More suited for Europe, maybe.
As I said in my UCL preview, this wasn’t going to be an easy ride. Club Athletic is no joke — 3 wins in their last 4, 4th in La Liga last season, and a team that plays with serious bite. So if you expected Arsenal to stroll to 3 points, think again. From the jump, the Basques were aggressive. Declan Rice picked up a yellow in under 10 minutes, setting the tone for a scrappy first half. Arsenal managed it well, though. Raya had a comfortable 45 minutes, and Unai Simon in the Bilbao goal only had one routine save to make — from Gyökeres, who also missed a decent headed chance. Eberechi Eze was quiet on the left, and while Noni Madueke looked lively, his decision-making in the final third is still lacking. That’s what separates him from someone like Bukayo Saka — Saka knows what to do and when to do it. He’s just elite. Hopefully, Arteta can help Madueke develop that quickly at Arsenal.
Second half? Much better. Bilbao came out strong, but Arsenal took control again. Rice’s delivery found Gyökeres, but another header went wide. Inaki Williams forced a save, and the game got physical — blood was drawn. Literally. Big Gabby clattered into Gyökeres; Merino had his own collision. This wasn’t pretty football. It was European football.
Then came the changes.
Credit to Mikel Arteta. With the match in the balance, he rolled the dice. On came Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, and they turned the game on its head. Martinelli’s run and recovery of the ball was pure instinct, and his goal was a thing of beauty. Then he set up Trossard to seal it. Both super subs, both delivering when it mattered. Martinelli needed that — he’s been under fire recently. People calling him a liability in a strong Arsenal side. Maybe Eze’s arrival is the push he needed. Martinelli plays best when he doesn’t have time to think — just instinctive movement and chaos. That’s what we got.
And Trossard? Mr. Clutch. One goal and two assists in three games this season. That’s 52 goal contributions in 120 Arsenal appearances. Call him what you want — I call him reliable. So, all in all — a clean sheet, 3 points away from home, and a boost in belief. Next up: Olympiakos at the Emirates. But before that, it’s City at the Emirates in what could be a season-defining clash.
Arsenal vs Man City Preview: A Clash of Mentors and Mentees
Sunday at the Emirates. Arsenal vs Manchester City. The biggest test of the season so far. And honestly? Arsenal should go into this one full of confidence.
The form table says it all. Arsenal have won 4 of their last 5, conceding just once — and that wasn’t even from open play. City, meanwhile, are fresh off a 3-0 win over United and a strong UCL showing against Napoli. And yet, you look at the way we’re playing — solid at the back, midfield dominant, attack getting the job done without quite clicking — and you can argue Arsenal are slight favourites. And I’d agree. This is no longer the Arsenal that gets rolled over by City. We’re unbeaten in our last six against them. Pep remembers that loss at the Emirates last season, and Mikel certainly does. The chess match is real — two managers who know each other’s every move.
City still has danger men. Phil Foden is picking up form, Rodri is gradually getting back to being a midfield ticker, and Haaland always looks in fine form, even when quiet. But City’s back line is still not settled, and Donnarumma, though a great shot stopper, can be exposed if we’re brave.
This is where Arsenal must strike — in the gaps between City’s midfield and defence. Get the ball into Viktor Gyökeres early, isolate their left back, and feed him quickly. He will score if given the service.
Arsenal Starting XI Prediction vs Man City
With Saka still out, Madueke keeps his spot on the right. Not the most productive winger yet, but he stretches the pitch. The big question is what Arteta does with the left wing and the central creative role.
Does he start Martinelli after his Bilbao heroics? Or stick with Eze on the left and Merino in the 10 role — or does Eze move into the 10, and Ethan Nwaneri gets the nod for his goal threat? There’s also the matter of Mosquera, who’s been immense standing in for Saliba. Does he keep his place next to Big Gabby, or does Arteta go with tried and tested? Here’s the XI I’d go with — not necessarily what Mikel will pick, but the one I believe gives us the best chance:
But more likely, Arteta sticks to the Bilbao team. Martinelli on the bench, Merino in the 10, and Eze wide left. Structure over chaos. As long as we win, I don't mind......We’ll see.
The Stakes: A Statement Game for Arsenal??
Arteta and team have come under somewhat unfair criticism for his style of playing 'Not to Lose' instead of 'playing to Win', with Thiery Henry being the latest to send the barrage against his former team. I get it, the narrative has to be piled on, whether right or wrong. I won't come on here to disparage Henry for his comments; he wants us to go for it, he wants to see Arsenal winning, but I don't agree with some of his criticism. Now, if City do go for it and lose, they’re six points behind Arsenal and nine behind Liverpool after just six games. That’s pressure. If Arsenal lose (God forbid please), we’re chasing Liverpool and only just staying level with City. Not great either. A draw? Doesn’t help much, but hurts City more than us. So maybe Pep will be forced to be bold. The question is — will Arteta match that boldness?
This is a game Arsenal can win. And if they do, the message is clear: maybe we’re not just title contenders, maybe we are ready to win the titles. Anyway, that's it from us here at #Anaijagunner, kindly let us know your thoughts in the comments, like & share...#Coyg. Do enjoy the game wherever you are....Ciao
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