Genius Mikel Arteta learns from Ian Wright’s criticism as Arsenal beat Athletic Club
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(Credit: Imago)
Ciaran Morrison
Tue 16 September 2025 20:30, UK
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has showed he took onboard advice from Gunners legend Ian Wright back in 2021.
The Gunners defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 to begin their Champions League campaign with victory after making the semi-final stage last season.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard scored the goals in the second half to ensure Arsenal claimed all three points.
Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League a few days earlier means it is back-to-back victories for Arteta’s side.
Credit: Imago
Martinelli made Arsenal history during the Champions League clash, with his goal off the bench coming just 36 seconds after coming on for Eberechi Eze.
Leandro Trossard also scored as a substitute after coming on for Viktor Gyokeres, perhaps due to the striker suffering a clash of heads in the first half.
Wright was once vocal about Arteta and substitutions particularly during a 1-1 draw with Slavia Prague in the Europa League back in 2021.
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The Arsenal manager certainly hit back at those comments, with his changes making all the difference against Athletic Bilbao.
Arteta’s ability to make game changing substitutions comes from his spending spree in the summer transfer window and eight new signings.
Bukayo Saka was missing with a hamstring injury and captain Martin Odegaard was out with a shoulder problem and yet the Gunners had enough to win the match.
Possession62%Total Shots11Shots on Target6Big Chances3Arsenal attacking stats in 2-0 Athletic Bilbao victory as per Fotmob.
In previous seasons, missing Saka and Odegaard would have spelt disaster for Arteta, but now the likes of Noni Madueke and Eze can step up.
In defence, William Saliba was an unused substitute on the bench, but in Cristian Mosquera, Arteta has found an assured third centre-back.
This victory proved Arteta now has the squad to be able to win major silverware this season.