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

Arsenal's substitutes make the difference in Bilbao as Arsenal's strength in depth proves too much for Athletic Club
Athletic Club v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1
Athletic Club v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 | David Ramos/GettyImages
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Declan Rice
Athletic Club v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 | David Ramos/GettyImages

Midfielders

Martin Zubimendi (DM) - 6/10 - Difficult to follow up last weekend's stellar performance. Zubi managed to get some control of the ball in the second half once Rice dropped in alongside him. Showed his range of passing but allowed Robert Navarro to run in behind him in the first half resulting in a good chance for Bilbao.

Declan Rice (CM) - 6/10 - Another high octane performance from the captain. A little over-zealous in the early exchanges but took control in the second half as Arsenal turned the screw. Found Madueke twice with exquisite long range passes.

Mikel Merino (CM) - 5/10 - Didn't get on the ball enough in central areas. Pushed too far forward from the outset and didn't drop between the lines often enough to give his team an outlet pass.

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