Mikel Arteta To Enjoy Family Time After Arsenal's Bilbao Win

Arteta Praises Arsenal’s Grit After Champions League Win in Bilbao

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his satisfaction following a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, praising both his players and the travelling supporters.

“I’m very happy. It’s an incredible place to come and play football, and the atmosphere is one of the best I've seen,” Arteta said, highlighting the intensity and challenge of San Mamés.

The manager noted the difficulty of the fixture, emphasising that his side had to earn the result through patience, discipline, and growing dominance over the course of the match.

Arteta also reflected on the team’s performance, highlighting their progress during the contest. “We knew it was going to be very difficult, so we had to earn the right to win the game.

“I think throughout the game we became more and more dominant and much more of a threat,” he added. Arteta's comments underline the team’s tactical control, the effectiveness of substitutions, and the way they gradually imposed themselves despite Bilbao’s early pressure and home advantage.

The victory also showcased the depth of Arsenal’s squad. Arteta’s strategy allowed substitutes like Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to make decisive contributions, turning a tightly contested match in the first half into a controlled advantage in the second.

The combination of tactical discipline, smart rotation, and timely attacking moments demonstrated Arteta’s ability to manage both the tempo and personnel efficiently, creating opportunities that his players converted into securing the clean sheet and the two goals.

Beyond the technical aspects, Arteta acknowledged the importance of fan support and personal reflection. “I hope the fans travelled well, they were amazing again,” he said, recognising the positive influence of travelling supporters.

The manager also looked forward to personal time, adding, “I'm going to see some family now, I'm looking forward to it,” reflecting a balance between professional satisfaction and personal well-being after a challenging European fixture.