Arsenal bench 'delivers in all areas'
- Published
Arsenal had forwards Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all unavailable for the victory against Bayern Munich but Mikel Arteta was able to call on Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli from the substitutes' bench.
The Gunners have had injuries to a number of their forwards but, with captain Martin Odegaard returning and Gyokeres and Havertz progressing, Arteta's options look like they are going to get even better.
After bringing in eight players in the summer, Arteta has been able to navigate the issues he has faced - Madueke scored his first goal for the club against Bayern, while Martinelli bagged his fourth in as many games in the Champions League.
"I couldn't have picked a better game to score my first Arsenal goal - I am so happy the team got the win as well," Madueke said.
"It's an incredible statement, but we know the work we put in. We go into these game with every confidence that we are going to win.
"I am a confident player. I don't like someone telling me I cannot do something. But my team-mates and the staff have belief in me."
Former defender Matt Upson thinks the options Arsenal have are a big reason why Arteta is able to keep the standards so high.
"Arsenal's bench delivers in all areas, in terms of freshness and quality," he said.
"We are talking about multiple players coming on and having an impact. They are all scrapping for a starting position.
"I think that's the key. It isn't easy for a manager to keep a squad of this depth hungry, together and fighting for the shirt, but also responding in the right way when not in the team.
"Ultimately, Mikel Arteta has all his players pulling in the same direction. The goal is a Premier League title and getting as far as they can in the Champions League."