Mikel Arteta has reacted after Arsenal claimed their opening Champions League victory with a 2-0 triumph at Athletic Club.
Second-half substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard delivered the decisive goals in Bilbao.
The Gunners faced a challenging atmosphere at San Mames, where the home supporters created an intimidating environment for Athletic's return to Europe's most prestigious competition after an 11-year absence.
The match remained goalless until Arteta's tactical changes proved decisive, introducing fresh attacking options that ultimately secured all three points for the visitors.
Arsenal claimed their opening Champions League victory with a 2-0 triumph at Athletic Club, as second-half substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard delivered the decisive goals in Bilbao
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Following the match, Arteta expressed his satisfaction with the substitutes' contributions while acknowledging the emotional challenges of team selection.
"What an amazing place to play football," the Arsenal manager said of the venue, hailing his game-changing replacements.
"The finishers, come off the bench and win it."
Mikel Arteta expressed his satisfaction the substitutes made on the game
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Arteta revealed his confidence in Martinelli's response to being benched, saying: "I was sure Gabby was going to react like that. Constantly willing to improve himself.
"When I have to leave a player on the bench, it hurts me. I have to make decisions based on increasing the probability of winning football matches."
But the Spaniard remained diplomatic when he was questioned if he could take credit for the tactical switch: "Well, I am very pleased because it's always very difficult emotionally.
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Gabriel Martinelli scored just 36 seconds after his introduction
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"I know how much they want to play in this competition. When you put up the line-up, there's disappointment in a lot of players.
"They play with that confidence and that connection."
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And the 43-year-old confirmed that it was good news for both the injured Gyokeres and Mikel Merino, who suffered head injuries during the game: "I haven't spoken to them, but I think they're okay."
The breakthrough arrived in the 71st minute when Martinelli required merely 36 seconds to make his mark after replacing Eberechi Eze.
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The Brazilian put the ball underneath the diving Unai Simon in the Athletic Bilbao net
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The Brazilian forward capitalised on a clever flick from fellow substitute Trossard, racing clear before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Martinelli subsequently turned provider in the 86th minute, reaching the byline and delivering a precise cutback for Trossard, whose deflected effort sealed the victory.
Leandro Trossard sealed the game with his seventh Champions League goal
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The rapid impact demonstrated the quality within Arsenal's expanded squad, with approximately £250million invested during the summer transfer window, providing Arteta with multiple attacking options from the bench.
And it was this depth that proved crucial, with Arteta fielding five new signings in his starting lineup while managing without injured players Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz.
The result marked Arsenal's sixth successive Champions League triumph over Spanish teams, establishing an unprecedented record in the competition.
The victory provides ideal preparation for Arsenal's upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday, before their next European fixture against Olympiacos on October 1.