Arsenal’s newfound depth is fueling a legitimate title challenge

For much of Mikel Arteta’s reign, Arsenal’s title bids have been undermined not by the quality of the starting XI but by the lack of depth behind it. 

Injuries to key players in recent years have exposed the squad's thinness, often halting momentum at crucial stages and resulting in three successive second-place finishes. This season, however, the picture looks very different.

Arsenal invested heavily in the summer, spending a net £257M ($345.2M) not only to strengthen the first team but to build depth across the pitch. The arrivals of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard have added options in midfield, while Cristian Mosquera has bolstered the defense.

In attack, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres bring additional firepower and creative alternatives to Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, while veteran goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga provides competition for David Raya.

Arteta reaping rewards of squad depth

The benefits of that depth are already visible. In the Champions League, Arteta was able to rotate his front line throughout the game and still secure a 2-0 win at Athletic Club, with Trossard and Martinelli both finding the net from the bench. 

In the Premier League, with doubts over Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard before a clash with Manchester City, Arsenal again turned to the bench. Martinelli came on to score a dramatic 93rd-minute equalizer, highlighting the squad’s new resilience.

That strength was evident again last weekend at Newcastle. Trailing 1-0 at half-time, Arsenal stormed back with late goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel to seal a comeback win.