Arsenal emerged unscathed from their first Champions League match, with Athletic Club providing a solid test for Mikel Arteta's squad as they gear up to face Manchester City on Sunday. City have also had less time to prepare - a factor that could play into Arsenal's hands.
Liverpool remain the team to beat in the Premier League, having secured maximum points from their four matches. Arne Slot's side also kicked off their European campaign with a win on Wednesday, thanks to a late header from Virgil van Dijk against Atletico Madrid.
A victory at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday wouldn't just keep Arsenal hot on the heels of the reigning champions. It would also put them six points ahead of Pep Guardiola's City, who have already suffered two league defeats this season.
The performances of substitutes on Tuesday might give Arteta a selection dilemma. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both scored after coming on as substitutes at San Mames, and both will be vying for a starting spot on Sunday.
There's plenty to ponder both domestically and in Europe as last season's Premier League runners-up gear up for a return to action during this busy period. Here are Mirror Football's latest updates from North London, reports the Mirror.
Arsenal have bolstered their squad considerably over the summer, and the choice to invest heavily could help them conquer their greatest hurdle to the title.
A depleted squad arguably cost them last term, with two-time Premier League winner Joleon Lescott explaining where they fell short against Liverpool last season and Manchester City the campaign before.
"Probably this season, they'll be closer because of their squad," Lescott said on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet. "I think it was their squad [that stopped them from winning the league before].
"I don't think anyone can guarantee their best XI are always going to be available. But I do think that their squad is better placed now to cope with injuries and suspensions and all that."
That assessment leaves Arteta with no excuse to rely upon should the Gunners fall short once more this season, with silverware essential for the Spaniard.
Arsenal's victory in Bilbao isn't merely positive news for their prospects of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League. They have also boosted their war chest by £1.8m, and can repeat this feat with every triumph in the competition.
With £1.8m per victory and a graduated system of rewards based on final position, there's an opportunity for Arsenal to pocket £32.5m in total.
That's what they could collect if they finish top of the league phase table with eight wins from eight, but there's substantial money available even if they conclude lower down in the standings.
There are millions more at stake for progress in the knockout rounds, with Arsenal looking to improve on last season's semi-final run. However, a trophy at the end of it all would surely trump any amount of money.
Viktor Gyokeres appears to be feeling few ill effects from the head injury he suffered against Athletic Club. The Swede needed treatment and bandaging but was cleared to continue, playing 65 minutes at San Mames.
Mikel Arteta indicated he believed the striker would be fit to feature against Manchester City on Sunday, while Gyokeres himself was simply focused on the result in Bilbao. "Great to be back in @ChampionsLeague with a win," he wrote on social media.
Gyokeres might not have scored in the opener, but he showed his European pedigree with a hat-trick against Manchester City last season. If he can add to that against the same opponents this weekend it could be good news for Arsenal.