Arsenal Stars Spill Blood but Rise Again Ahead of City Showdown
Arsenal’s Champions League opener had everything — goals, drama, and even blood on the pitch. The Gunners sealed a 2-0 win over Athletic Club, but fans were left holding their breath when Viktor Gyökeres staggered off with blood pouring from his head.
Cue panic? Not quite. Mikel Arteta quickly played doctor-in-chief, insisting both Gyökeres and midfield warrior Mikel Merino will be patched up and ready for Sunday’s Premier League blockbuster against Manchester City.
Blood, Bandages, and Battle Scars
The scare came midway through the first half when Gyökeres launched himself at a Declan Rice delivery, only to collide head-first with Gabriel. Medics rushed on as blood gushed from the Swede’s scalp. Moments later, he was back — wrapped in heavy bandages like a warrior out of an ancient saga — before being replaced by Leandro Trossard on 64 minutes.
Merino? He wasn’t spared either. The Spaniard endured his own clash of heads but shrugged it off to finish the match, leaving Arteta sounding calm and confident post-game:
> “I think they are good. I haven’t spoken to them but I think they’re all good.”
Super Subs Save the Day
While the walking wounded kept fighting, Arsenal’s so-called “finishers” stole the spotlight. Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli both stepped off the bench to slam home the goals that sealed the win — proof of the depth and ruthlessness Arteta is sculpting into his squad.
“We don’t have substitutes, we have finishers,” Arteta declared. And on this evidence, City better watch their step — Arsenal are coming armed, bandaged, and dangerous.
