Player ratings as Gunners get off to the perfect start in Spain

Arsenal got their Champions League off to a flyer in Bilbao as two late substitutions sink Athletic Club 2-0 in Spain.

Second half goals from second half substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard floored a plucky and high-tempo Athletic Bilbao at the San Mamés Stadium tonight.

Athletic had the better of the opening exchanges, pinning Arsenal back with a high press and high defensive line. Camped in their own half and unable to settle on the ball, Arsenal conceded a number of free-kicks including one that saw Declan Rice go into the referee's book.

As the game opened up, Arsenal threatened on the counter attack. Viktor Gyökeres latched on to an early through ball but was forced wide before hitting a tame shot which Unai Simón fielded easily.

Robert Navarro came closest for Athletic Club when he crept in behind Zubimendi in the inside left channel. His shot was powerful but lacked direction.

Arsenal had the better of the early exchanges of the second half with Madueke beating Adama Boiro almost at will. His final ball, however was below par and offered very little threat.

It wasn't until Gabriel Martinelli replaced Eze on the left and Leandro Trossard came in for Gyökeres that Arsenal grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck. The two combined for Martinelli to score just 36 seconds after the Brazilian had entered the fray.

Trossard wrapped the game up inside the last five minutes, converting Martinelli's pull-back with the help of a deflection.

Player Ratings - Athletic Bilbao 0 - 2 Arsenal

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 7/10 - Pivotal to Arsenal's direct and counter attacking tactics. Raya's anticipation and assuredness with the ball at his feet enabled Arsenal to get a foothold in the game and protect his own goal. Another clean sheet.

Jurriën Timber (RB) - 6.5/10 - A solid performance in defence tonight. A delightful flick in the first half got Madueke in down the righ hand side in the first half. Nearly got an assist with an early cross that Gyökeres failed to convert.

Chrithian Mosquera (CB) - 8/10 - Mosquera is making himself very difficult to drop. Tonight's performance was top class. 79 passes (94% accuracy) and 6 clearances speaks volumes about how influential he is becoming.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) - 5/10 - Defensively sound but a little wasteful on the ball. Almost cost his side a goal in the first half with a misplaced ball out of defence that put his team under pressure.

Riccardo Calafiori (LB) - 7/10 - An intense performance. Strong tackling in the first half helped Arsenal to keep the Spaniards at bay. Popped up regularly in central midfield areas and made 2 key passes.

Continued on next slide...