Saka scores with an assist from Gabriel Martinelli as Arsenal lead Athletic Bilbao 2-0

In London, at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal took a 2-0 lead over Athletic Bilbao in the Emirates Cup final on Saturday, August 9, 2025, with goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka, the latter assisted by Gabriel Martinelli. The match, currently at halftime, showcases a dominant Arsenal, controlling possession and creating the best chances. The game, part of the prestigious pre-season friendly tournament, drew thousands of fans to the stadium, who cheered the Gunners’ intense performance. Arsenal’s collective effort, paired with the speed of their forwards, put Bilbao in trouble from the opening minutes. The match remains open, with the second half promising more excitement.

Arsenal started the game with intensity, pressing Bilbao’s defense from the first whistle. Mikel Arteta’s lineup featured an attacking formation, with Martinelli and Saka on the wings and Gyokeres as the focal point up top. The strategy paid off, with the London side exploiting the flanks and creating clear chances. Meanwhile, Bilbao, coached by Ernesto Valverde, tried to balance the game with possession but struggled against Arsenal’s solid marking.

• Key Arsenal highlights: Gyokeres scored with a header, while Saka finished with precision.
• Bilbao’s struggles: The Spanish side faltered against Arsenal’s speedy wingers.
• Defining moment: Martinelli’s assist for Saka’s goal ignited the crowd.

Fast attacks shape the game

Arsenal set the tempo early, with quick passing and constant movement. At the 34th minute, Viktor Gyokeres opened the scoring with a precise header from a well-placed cross, capitalizing on a Bilbao defensive lapse. Two minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli, with an individual run down the left, found Bukayo Saka unmarked in the box, who finished cleanly past goalkeeper Unai Simon. The Emirates crowd erupted, celebrating the lead built in the first half. The speed and accuracy in offensive transitions were Arsenal’s key strengths.

Athletic Bilbao attempted to respond with plays down the wings, particularly through Alex Berenguer, but struggled against the assured performance of goalkeeper David Raya. The Basque side showed organization at times but failed to convert their chances into goals. The injury to Unai Gomez, substituted at the 25th minute, also disrupted Valverde’s tactical plans.

Key moments timeline

• 2′: Yuri Berchiche (Bilbao) receives a yellow card for a harsh foul, signaling a physical game.
• 10′: Alex Berenguer (Bilbao) shoots with danger, but David Raya makes a crucial save.
• 11′: Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) misses a clear chance, shooting wide.
• 34′: Goal for Arsenal! Viktor Gyokeres heads in firmly from a cross into the box.
• 36′: Goal for Arsenal! Martinelli assists Saka, who finishes with precision to extend the lead.

Arsenal under Arteta’s command

Mikel Arteta has shaped an increasingly competitive Arsenal, and the Emirates Cup final reflects the team’s tactical work. The choice of an attacking lineup, with offensive full-backs like Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, gave Martinelli and Saka freedom to exploit the flanks. Declan Rice, in midfield, was pivotal in linking defense and attack, with precise passes and dangerous corner kicks. The packed Emirates crowd acknowledged the collective effort with constant applause.

Bilbao, despite the deficit, did not give up easily. The Basque side, known for its tradition of fielding only regional players, tried to impose a controlled style with short passes. However, their lack of attacking sharpness and defensive errors proved costly. Ernesto Valverde, Bilbao’s coach, now faces the challenge of adjusting the team at halftime to mount a comeback.

Moments of tension and stoppages

The game saw interruptions that affected its rhythm. At the 14th minute, Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber required medical attention after a collision but returned without issues. At the 25th minute, a brief hydration break was held due to the intense heat in London. Unai Gomez’s injury for Bilbao raised concerns, with the player replaced by Robert Navarro. These stoppages, though short, allowed Arsenal to regroup and refine their strategy.

Referee Robert Jones maintained firm control, notably issuing a yellow card to Yuri Berchiche at the 2nd minute, signaling that fouls would be dealt with strictly. A foul by Dani Vivian at the 28th minute also sparked complaints from Bilbao, but the referee kept the game under control.

Speed versus organization

The contrast in playing styles was clear in the first half. Arsenal relied on the speed of their wingers and high pressing, forcing Bilbao into errors. Martinelli, with quick dribbles, and Saka, with his finishing ability, were the protagonists of the attacking plays. Bilbao, meanwhile, tried to build moves patiently but was neutralized by Arsenal’s defense, led by David Raya. Possession was balanced, but the Gunners were more clinical in their finishing.

• Arsenal’s dominance factors: High pressing, quick transitions, and efficient finishing.
• Bilbao’s weaknesses: Defensive errors and lack of attacking creativity.
• Standout players: Martinelli and Saka for Arsenal; Raya with assured saves.
• Crowd impact: The Emirates support boosted the home side.

Second half still open

With a 2-0 lead at halftime, Arsenal heads into the second half with an advantage, but the game is far from decided. Athletic Bilbao, known for their resilience, may exploit counterattacks and push for more aggression in attack. Ernesto Valverde will likely adjust his team’s positioning to counter Arsenal’s speedy wingers. Meanwhile, Arteta may choose to maintain pressure or manage the lead, depending on the game’s flow.

The Emirates Cup final, a prestigious friendly tournament, serves as preparation for the 2025/26 season. For Arsenal, the partial victory boosts the squad’s confidence as they aim to solidify Arteta’s project. For Bilbao, the challenge is to overturn the scoreline and prove their competitiveness against a top-tier opponent.

Lineups and tactical approaches

The lineups reflect the coaches’ philosophies. Arsenal fielded David Raya in goal, a defensive line with Timber and Calafiori, a midfield led by Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, and an attacking trio of Martinelli, Saka, and Gyokeres. Bilbao relied on Unai Simon in goal, Dani Vivian in defense, and players like Alex Berenguer and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta to create plays. Unai Gomez’s substitution by Robert Navarro aimed to maintain midfield dynamism.

• Arsenal: 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing wing attacks.
• Athletic Bilbao: 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on possession and patience.
• Tactical adjustments: Bilbao needs to push their lines forward to seek a draw.
• Substitution impact: Navarro could bring more dynamism to Bilbao.

Atmosphere at Emirates Stadium

The crowd at the Emirates created an electric atmosphere, with chants and unwavering support for Arsenal. The Emirates Cup final, though a friendly, carries symbolic weight, bringing together clubs with rich traditions in an international showdown. The presence of Bilbao fans, though fewer in number, added excitement with flags and chants reflecting the club’s Basque identity.

The match, broadcast to several countries, underscores the tournament’s global appeal. The performances of young talents like Saka and Martinelli highlight Arsenal’s worldwide draw, while Bilbao aims to uphold its reputation as a competitive force in Europe.