Arsenal now have depth to compete on all fronts, Arteta says

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes his squad has finally developed the kind of depth that will allow them to mount genuine challenges in both domestic and European competitions this season. His confidence comes in the wake of the Gunners’ 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, a game in which several of the club’s new signings showed their worth on a big stage.

Summer reinforcements making a difference

During the summer transfer window Arsenal added several key pieces deemed necessary to bolster their push for silverware. Among those recruits are:

• Viktor Gyökeres – a central forward, longed for by fans, who added firepower to Arsenal’s attack.
• Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze – wingers who both impressed in the Forest match, with Madueke stepping in capably when Bukayo Saka was unavailable.
• Cristhian Mosquera – a defender who deputised effectively for William Saliba.
• Martin Zubimendi – another new signing who scored twice in the 3-0 win, confirming Arteta’s belief that midfield depth had been improved.

These additions have not only filled gaps caused by injury or fatigue, but also given Arteta multiple choices for selection in most positions. Indeed, when captain Martin Odegaard was forced off with a shoulder injury, Declan Rice remained unused on the bench, with 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri brought in instead.

Why depth matters this season

Arteta emphasised that the modern game demands more than just a strong starting eleven. With the fixture congestion that comes from competing in the Premier League, Champions League, domestic cups, and the FA Cup, a squad needs to be able to rotate players without a significant drop in quality.

He also noted the raised standards in Europe and in England, pointing out that competition isn’t just about individual talent, but about having quality players across the squad who can handle high‐intensity games in succession.

Challenges & what it signals

While the depth is promising, Arteta acknowledges that nothing is guaranteed. Maintaining performance across all competitions will require consistency, fitness, mental strength, and the ability to avoid major injury crises. Arsenal’s injury concerns remain present, with Saka ruled out of the Forest game due to a hamstring issue.

Still, this shift in resources and squad strength is a signal: Arsenal are no longer content with near misses. Arteta’s message suggests the club believe this could be the season they close the gap in the Premier League and make a deeper impact in Europe.

Conclusion

Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest did more than just earn three points. It showed that several summer signings are adjusting to their roles, that the squad has genuine options off the bench, and that the club’s direction is firmly aimed at competing on multiple fronts. Whether that translates into trophies remains to be seen, but under Arteta, the confidence is growing and the resources are increasingly in place.