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Arteta praises Arsenal impact players after Bilbao win

By on September 17, 2025

Mikel Arteta acknowledged that he knew his side would face a difficult challenge at San Mames but was delighted with Arsenal’s performance in their 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.

The Gunners had to remain patient throughout the contest, struggling to find clear chances in the first half.

However, substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard changed the game late on with decisive contributions.

Martinelli struck in the 72nd minute before turning provider for Trossard, who sealed the win with a calm finish.

Speaking after the game, Arteta highlighted the importance of his “finishers” making an impact when called upon.

“Something that we always discuss is that the finishers have to impact the game, and Gabi and Leo came on to make the difference for the team,” he said.

The manager praised the pair for delivering in the crucial moments, stressing that their quality provided Arsenal with a new dimension.

“They were outstanding and the rest of the team as well. In many moments, they were at a very good level. When someone is able to win the game in those actions and be so clinical, it is exactly what we need because the threat can come from different ways and different players. I am very pleased with that.”

Arteta also emphasised the spirit within the squad, noting how even those with limited minutes made their contribution count.

“It means that [Gabi and Leo] are connected and they feel that they are really, really important. We have discussed that a lot. We are going to need that. Piero [Hincapie] comes in and plays five minutes and so does Christian [Norgaard] and it is the best five minutes of their lives. That is the spirit that we need amongst the squad. If we have everybody at that level, we will win a lot of games.”

The Spaniard also praised the atmosphere inside San Mames, calling it one of the best he had experienced.

“I am very happy. It is an incredible place to come and play football, and the atmosphere is one of the best I have seen,” he added.

“We knew it was going to be very difficult, so we had to earn the right to win the game. I think throughout the game we became more and more dominant and much more of a threat.”

Attention now turns to a crucial Premier League clash with Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday 21 September.