Three Things We Learned from Arsenal's Champions League victory in Bilbao as Manchester City loom

The luxury of a strong bench pays dividends in Arsenal's tight Champions League opening win in Bilbao 

Here are three things that stood out for Ian Mills

 1 - Martinelli makes the difference:

It is fair to say that this campaign has not started well for our Brazilian forward.

He has looked shorn of confidence and there had been several calls by frustrated fans to cash in on him this summer.

However, if there is one thing we could learn from our recent trophy near misses it is that the stronger your squad, the greater your potential for silverware.

With the game deadlocked at 0-0, Martinelli entered the fray and having latched onto Leandro Trossard’s pass he had the ball in the back of Athletic Club’s net just 36 seconds later.

The reaction of his teammates told you all you needed to know about his popularity in the dressing room. He then assisted Trossad’s goal to settle this game.

His impressive cameo here should do wonders for his confidence.

2 - Trossard’s retention was astute business:

Another wide player rumoured to be leaving the club in the summer was our mercurial Belgian.

Few players have made such an impact as our January transfer window signing as Leo has and even after an injury hit start to the new season, he now has two assists and one goal to his name already.

Since joining the club, he has registered an incredible 54 goal involvements (29 goals, 25 assists).

He may not start as many games as he wants yet he will have a huge role to play for us again as we chase glory on four fronts.

At £27 million he represents one of our best value signings of recent years.

3 - Defensive excellence once again:

The final whistle in Bilbao ensured that we claimed our fourth clean sheet in our first five games and are yet to concede a goal from open play.

David Raya was not particularly busy in this match yet he exudes an air of calm that resonates with the rest of the back four. Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber offer different qualities at full back, both of which compliment the way we play while Gabriel is a natural leader and Cristhian Mosquera looks a superb acquisition alongside him.

Manchester City will provide a stern test at the weekend, yet the club go into that huge clash with confidence, belief and crucially plenty of options.