Arteta Enjoys Thrilling Victory Over Athletic Bilbao

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance following their triumphant 2-0 win against Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League.

The win at San Mames was marked by late goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, both of whom helped secure the victory for the Gunners.

Post-Match Reflections

Arteta shared his thoughts after the match, stating, “What an incredible venue for football; this is arguably one of the best atmospheres I have experienced. It was a challenging game. We anticipated that the first 20 to 25 minutes would be tough, particularly due to their intense style of play which frequently resulted in scoring opportunities.”

He added, “As the game progressed, we found our rhythm. In the second half, we took control and posed a greater threat. The conditions also played a role in helping us secure the win. Overall, I’m very pleased.”

Key Contributions from Substitutes

Discussing the impact of Martinelli and Trossard coming off the bench to score, Arteta noted, “Their contribution highlights our depth. Players who come in late in the game are just as crucial, if not more so, than those who start. We can make impactful changes, particularly when our initial players begin to tire. It’s rewarding to see that level of response.”

He also praised the recent performances of substitutes Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera, mentioning, “Piero had a fantastic six minutes, which was his best yet. That’s the kind of attitude we need from everyone.”

Praise for Martinelli’s Attitude

Arteta conveyed his admiration for Martinelli, saying, “I truly appreciate Gabriel’s attitude, commitment, and positivity. He embodies what it means to be part of this team. I’m delighted with how he performed today and the options he created.”

He further stated, “I anticipated that Gabby would respond with such determination. He is always eager to improve and challenges himself continuously. This should boost his confidence as he is an exceptional player.”

Enjoying the Atmosphere at San Mames

Reflecting on the experience of playing at San Mames, Arteta remarked, “I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s inspirational. The bond the fans have with their team and the passion they bring to the game is palpable. That energy undoubtedly influences the players, and I was aware that we were in for a tough match.”