Mikel Arteta to pin Arsenal hopes on one key star vs Athletic Bilbao as dominant attacking data revealed
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(Credit: Getty)
Oliver Walton
Tue 16 September 2025 8:00, UK
Mikel Arteta will know that one of his Arsenal attackers who has enjoyed an electric start to the new season will be key to any success they have against Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League.
Arsenal have been in great form so far this term, with the only blot on their copybook so far being a slim 1-0 defeat to Liverpool before the recent international break.
They have convincingly beaten all three of Man United, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest without even conceding a goal, but Bilbao will provide a different test on Tuesday (16 September) as the Champions League returns for another season.
Mikel Arteta’s side impressed in the competition last term as they reached the semi-finals but were beaten over two legs by PSG, and they will look to go one better this time around as they chase a first final appearance since 2006.
It is imperative that they get off to a decent start against their La Liga opponents on Tuesday, and one Gunners forward in particular could end up being hugely important to three points based on his current form and direct opponent.
Credit: Imago
Noni Madueke joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer transfer window, and he has been a revelation in North London so far despite question marks from fans and neutrals alike over why the Gunners brought him in.
The England winger is yet to contribute to a goal under Arteta, but he has started in each of the club’s last three league games and impressed every time, particularly last time out against Forest as he ran Morato and Neco Williams ragged and created five chances in 78 minutes [Opta].
Credit: Imago
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His impressive attacking form means he is the Gunners’ best performer in a number of metrics, including chances created per 90 minutes, expected assists (xA) per 90 and possession won in the final third per 90 [Opta].
He should, therefore, be able to give his opposite number Yuri Berchiche a torrid time on Tuesday, with the 35-year-old likely to start against Arsenal at left-back, having done so in each of Bilbao’s four league outings so far.
Credit: Opta
Berchiche has a lot of experience, but is likely to get caught out by Madueke as he likes to stray forward from full-back to help out in attack.
Madueke, who was dubbed ‘incredible’ against Nottingham Forest, has already shown that he can cause massive problems for defenders due to his directness and pace in behind, and the 35-year-old could be the ideal opponent for him to continue his strong form in a red and white shirt.
Arsenal’s recent history in Europe has been chequered, to say the least, with Arteta only leading them back to UEFA’s top-rate competition in 2023-24 after five seasons of playing in the Europa League.
It is fair to say that they have impressed since in the tournament since then, though, as they reached the quarter-finals upon their return before a foray into the semis last term.
DateVersusResultApril 2025Real Madrid (a)2-1 WApril 2025Real Madrid (H)3-0 WJanuary 2025Girona (a)2-1 WNovember 2023Sevilla (H)2-0 WOctober 2023Sevilla (a)2-1 WArsenal’s last five UCL games against Spanish opponents
Their record against Spanish opponents has also been second-to-none, with 2-1 and 2-0 wins against Sevilla in the group stage of 2023-24 followed up by a 2-1 win in the league phase against Girona last season and respective 3-0 and 2-1 victories over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
All of those triumphs mean that Arsenal could become the first club to win six consecutive games against Spanish opposition in the long history of the Champions League with three points against Bilbao on Tuesday, and Madueke impressing would go a long way to helping them achieve this feat.