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Player ratings: Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal – Martinelli shines

By on September 16, 2025

Arsenal started their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in Spain on Tuesday evening.

The victory marked a confident opening to their European season.

The breakthrough came in the 72nd minute when substitute Gabriel Martinelli raced onto a fine ball from Leandro Trossard and finished calmly.

The Brazilian then turned provider in the 87th minute, returning the favour to Trossard, who doubled the lead with a composed strike.

Arsenal player ratings

David Raya – 8/10

Another clean sheet for the Spaniard. He had little to do but remained alert and commanded his box with authority.

Jurrien Timber – 8/10

Strong at right-back with an excellent balance of defensive awareness and attacking support. Rarely put a foot wrong throughout the game.

Cristhian Mosquera – 8/10

The young defender continues to shine. His interceptions and composure were crucial in helping Arsenal secure another clean sheet.

Gabriel Magalhães – 8/10

Wore the armband and led from the back with confidence. Ensured defensive stability and organisation across the backline.

Riccardo Calafiori – 7/10

Assured performance at left-back. Defended well and drifted into midfield when needed to support Arsenal’s passing play.

Declan Rice – 6/10

Started slowly and collected a booking but improved in the second half with better control in midfield.

Martin Zubimendi – 7/10

Found it difficult to break Bilbao’s midfield lines early on. Grew into the game and became key in linking Arsenal’s attacks.

Mikel Merino – 6/10

Struggled to make an impact from midfield and could not replicate his recent strong form.

Noni Madueke – 7/10

Showed skill in beating his man but his final decisions let him down. Could have had an assist if not for last-ditch defending.

Eberechi Eze – 5/10

Played out wide again rather than centrally. Struggled to influence the game before being replaced by Martinelli.

Viktor Gyokeres – 5/10

A frustrating night for the striker. Had half chances but lacked service and was taken off just after the hour mark.

Substitutes

Leandro Trossard – 8/10

Superb impact from the bench. Set up Martinelli with a clever flick and scored the second goal himself late on.

Gabriel Martinelli – 9/10

Changed the game after coming on. Scored the opener with pace and composure before assisting Trossard for the second.

Christian Norgaard – N/A

Introduced late with the game already won.

Piero Hincapie – N/A

No time to make any significant impact.

Arsenal’s patience and quality in the final third proved decisive. The Gunners now carry early momentum in their Champions League journey.