
Arsenal's long-awaited return to the Champions League was met with a formidable challenge in the Basque Country, according to UEFA, but the Gunners emerged with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over a resolute Athletic Club side.
In a match where it was a struggle to find a breakthrough, it was the tactical genius of manager Mikel Arteta and the instant impact of his substitutes that secured a vital three points, laying down a marker for their European ambitions.