Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta highlights the team’s strength in depth as a key factor in their success, following their 2-0 win over Olympiakos in the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta believes that Arsenal’s squad depth has been a crucial factor in their success this season.
The Gunners’ 2-0 win over Olympiakos in the Champions League showcased the team’s ability to rotate players and maintain a high level of performance. Arteta was able to make six changes to his starting lineup, giving players like Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, and Bukayo Saka opportunities to contribute to the team’s success.
Saka, in particular, played a vital role in sealing the win, scoring the second goal after coming off the bench.
Arteta praised the team’s bench, highlighting the difference between this season’s squad and last season’s. “With all respect, last season we were looking (at the bench) and we had five academy players there, that probably never played professional football in the Champions League, so it makes a difference,” Arteta said.
The Arsenal manager emphasized the importance of having a strong bench, which allows him to rotate players and keep them fresh throughout the season. “We decided to change six players because I want everybody to really be involved and feel part of it, and it was great,” Arteta said. The players who came off the bench, including Saka, Eze, and Rice, lifted the level of the game and helped the team win.
“They know that they have a chance to play, to maybe make six changes, and I want everybody to be a big part of that,” he said. The players who came in off the bench brought a new dimension to the team, re-energizing them and helping them to secure the win.
The win over Olympiakos was a significant result for Arsenal, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level. Arteta acknowledged the challenges of playing in the Champions League, but he was pleased with the team’s performance. “I’m very happy, winning in the Champions League is always very complicated,” he said.
Arteta’s praise for his team’s squad depth is well-deserved, given the impact that the bench players had on the game.
The win over Olympiakos sets the stage for Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures, and Arteta will be looking to build on the team’s momentum.
