Arsenal must send a message in Champions League opener against Athletic Club

Arsenal return to the Champions League on Tuesday night with the weight of expectation firmly on their shoulders.

Mikel Arteta’s side have made steady progress in Europe over the past two years but this new campaign requires more than gradual steps forward. It demands a statement of intent and the opener away to Athletic Club is the perfect chance to deliver it.

The Gunners know the San Mames will not make things easy. Athletic’s fans create one of the most intense atmospheres on the continent and the Basque side will be fuelled by the novelty of only their third appearance in the Champions League since its rebranding.

As Inaki Williams put it earlier today “At San Mames we always have our moment and the key will be to make the most of it.” That kind of energy can unsettle even the most experienced opposition.

Arsenal however cannot afford to be passive. They have invested heavily in building a squad capable of balancing domestic ambitions with European glory.

After falling short in the semi-finals last season the time has come to set the tone for a run that must be about more than promise. A sluggish start would hand momentum to a side that already thrives on emotion and collective spirit.

Pre-season offered a glimpse of how this matchup might play out when Arsenal beat Athletic in the Emirates Cup without needing to stretch themselves. But a friendly and a Champions League opener are very different occasions.

Ernesto Valverde has warned his side will “hold nothing back” and Arsenal must expect an opponent that presses high snaps into challenges and looks to feed off the crowd.

That is why Arteta’s men must impose themselves early. A composed first half with sharp ball circulation and a willingness to take risks in the final third can quieten the noise and remind Bilbao of the gulf in pedigree.

Personnel issues cannot be an excuse. Injuries to Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are frustrating but Arsenal’s squad is deep enough to adapt.

The likes of Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres are already proving they can shoulder responsibility. William Saliba’s possible return is another boost yet even without him the back line has looked solid.

Athletic will come with energy heart and hope. Arsenal must counter with authority precision and ruthlessness. If they want to be considered true contenders tomorrow night is about sending a message.