Arsenal Finish Pre-Season in Style with 3-0 Victory Over Athletic Bilbao – Why Martinelli Deserves More Credit
Arsenal wrapped up their pre-season campaign in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at the Emirates Stadium to claim the Emirates Cup. The result capped a promising summer for Mikel Arteta’s side, who now turn their focus to next weekend’s Premier League opener against Manchester United.
From the first whistle, Arsenal dictated the tempo. Their breakthrough came midway through the first half when Viktor Gyökeres rose highest to meet a perfectly placed cross, nodding home his first goal for the club. Just minutes later, Bukayo Saka doubled the advantage with a composed finish after cutting inside from the right flank.
Bilbao struggled to break through Arsenal’s compact defensive shape, and the home side sealed the win in the final stages as Kai Havertz powered forward on a solo run before slotting past the goalkeeper. The 3-0 scoreline reflected Arsenal’s dominance, both in possession and chance creation.
Sharpness Ahead of the New Season
The match was more than just a comfortable win — it showcased the cohesion Arteta has been building. New signings slotted in seamlessly alongside established stars, while the pressing intensity and quick transitions suggested the team is already close to competitive sharpness. The Emirates crowd, in turn, responded with an atmosphere that felt like a season opener.
Fan notes
From the online discussion, it seems many fans believe Gabriel Martinelli performs better when playing alongside Riccardo Calafiori compared to when he is paired with Lewis Myles Skelly. The original post highlighted this observation, sparking debate in the replies, with some agreeing that Calafiori’s style of play complements Martinelli’s attacking game, allowing him more freedom and effectiveness on the left flank. Others, however, pointed out that Calafiori may not be a regular starter, suggesting Martinelli needs to adapt and deliver consistently regardless of his teammate on that side.
The Martinelli Conversation – An Underrated Gem
While the headlines will focus on the goalscorers, one of the standout performers didn’t find the net at all: Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian winger was a constant threat on the left, stretching Bilbao’s defense with his pace, direct dribbling, and intelligent off-the-ball movement.
What makes Martinelli so valuable often goes unnoticed. His willingness to track back and press deep into his own half broke up several Bilbao attacks before they could develop. His runs also pulled defenders out of position, creating space for Gyökeres and Havertz to operate in central areas.
Opponents regularly double up on him, and yet he still manages to deliver dangerous balls into the box or win set pieces. While others may measure a winger’s influence purely in goals and assists, Martinelli’s contribution is about making the team more dangerous every time he’s involved.
Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao was a strong statement before the competitive season begins. But amid the excitement over the scoreline and the summer signings, Gabriel Martinelli’s understated brilliance deserves a louder conversation. On a pitch full of star names, he remains one of the Gunners’ most important – and most underrated – assets.
