Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised the strength of the Gunners’ bench following Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League, Afrosport reports.
The Spaniard started a number of key players from the bench including Eberechi Eze, Riccardo Calafiori, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, and were still about to get a comfortable result courtesy of goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Saka.
The victory was seen as a testament of Arsenal’s squad depth after investing over £250 million in the summer transfer window, which Arteta believes will make a difference in their quest to win titles this season.
“Yeah, with all respect, last season we were looking at having five academy players there that probably never played professional football, in the Champions League. So yeah, it makes a difference,” the Spaniard said.
“We decided to change six players I think it was, because I want everybody to be really be involved and feel part of it. And it was great.
“We had the feeling as well that physically we were dropping because we played a really intense match in Newcastle a few days ago. The ones that came in again, they lifted the level, they helped us to win the game and that’s great.”
Winning together in N5 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/SGX4sjKca9
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 1, 2025
Arsenal will turn their attention to a London derby against West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday before the international break.
