What Gabriel Martinelli told Arsenal teammates moments before Athletic Club heroics

Gabriel Martinelli has revealed how he made a plan to exploit Athletic Bilbao's weaknesses just before his game-changing substitution that led Arsenal to victory. Martinelli needed only 36 seconds and four touches to put Mikel Arteta's side in the lead, capitalising on a lofted pass from fellow substitute Leandro Trossard.

The Brazilian winger then assisted Trossard for the second goal with three minutes remaining, securing a convincing 2-0 win for the Gunners as they began their Champions League campaign with a full three points in Spain.

Martinelli revealed: "When I came on, I just tried to get in behind. I wanted to see where I could find the space. I had said to the guys on the bench that there was a huge space in behind.

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"Leo saw me, it was a great ball from him, and I just tried to put the ball in the net. For the second goal, I wanted to go past my man and look to find someone in the box, and I knew they were tired, too. I was able to find Leo, and he did the rest."

The timely contributions from Martinelli and Trossard gave Arsenal an ideal start in Europe as they aim to build on last year's semi-final run and clinch the men's Champions League title for the first time in the club's history.

Bilbao, who finished fourth in LaLiga last season, welcomed Arteta's men with a hostile reception, celebrating their return to the Champions League after a decade-long absence.

"They were playing at home, so they did well too, but I thought we were clinical and deserved to win," Martinelli continued. "When you play for Arsenal, you go to win every game, so it is really good to start the campaign with the victory.

"We know how big we are when we have this badge on our chest, and with the family we have. We are a big club and we want to win every single match."

Viktor Gyokeres suffered a head collision with teammate Gabriel during the first half at San Mames Stadium and was forced to play with a bandage before being substituted by Trossard after 60 minutes.

Nevertheless, the Sweden international is anticipated to be available for Sunday's Premier League clash at home against Manchester City.