Arsenal 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
The latest from the Emirates as Arsenal end pre season with a win.
First Half
Opening Goal – Viktor Gyökeres (34’):
The summer signing scored his first goal for Arsenal with a powerful header. Martin Zubimendi delivered an inch-perfect whipped cross that the Swede met emphatically, putting the ball past Unai Simón. It was capped off with his trademark celebration, quickly winning over fans.Bukayo Saka (36’):
Just two minutes later, Rolling plays from Arsenal carved open Bilbao’s defence. A loose ball through from Declan Rice found Gabriel Martinelli, who benefited from a hesitant Simón and squared it neatly to Saka for an easy tap-in.
Second Half
Near-Miss – Gyökeres:
Gyökeres was denied a second when his header—after diving to meet Noni Madueke’s cross—was tipped onto the post by the keeper.Kai Havertz (82’):
Havertz sealed the emphatic win. He seized a loose ball around halfway, powered into the box, shrugged off a challenge and delivered a composed low finish into the bottom corner.
Tactical Takeaways
Arsenal’s 3–0 win over Athletic Bilbao was less about the scoreline and more about how Mikel Arteta’s tactical blueprint looked fully polished before the competitive season.
Structured Pressing and Rest Defence
From the first whistle, Arsenal’s press was coordinated, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli leading the trigger press, supported by Martin Ødegaard stepping high to cut off Bilbao’s passing lanes.
Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi anchored the midfield, ensuring that when possession was lost, the “rest defence” structure was in place — often leaving William Saliba and Gabriel in 2v1 or 2v2 scenarios they looked comfortable managing.
Midfield Control Through Zubimendi
Zubimendi’s role as a single pivot was a noticeable shift from Arsenal’s double-pivot shape seen in certain matches last season. His ability to play under pressure and find vertical passes helped bypass Bilbao’s midfield line.
This allowed Ødegaard to stay higher between the lines, creating more sustained attacking phases rather than recycling possession.
Width & Crossing Variation
Rather than relying solely on cut-backs, Arsenal mixed in more early crosses and deep deliveries. The opening goal — Gyökeres’ header — came from Zubimendi’s wide-right delivery, showing an intent to capitalise on aerial presence in the box.
Noni Madueke’s introduction in the second half maintained width on the right while freeing Saka to drift into half-spaces.
Frontline Fluidity
Gyökeres offered a more direct focal point than Havertz in the striker role, allowing wingers to attack second balls and pockets of space around him.
In later stages, Havertz came on and played as a free-roaming forward, linking midfield with attack — a flexibility that will be vital across multiple competitions.
In summary, this 3–0 win wasn’t just about the goals—it was the complete package: defensive composure, brilliant interplay, clinical finishing, and contributions from summer signings. Arsenal look poised and ready for what lies ahead.