Arsène Wenger: Arsenal finally have the squad to win it all under Mikel Arteta

Arsenal: Arsène Wenger explains why this season is different for Mikel Arteta — the former manager insists Arsenal’s depth and balance set them apart from past campaigns, making them genuine contenders for both domestic and European glory.

Arsenal sit top of the Premier League after eight games, three points clear of Manchester City and four ahead of champions Liverpool. They are also one of only three clubs with a perfect Champions League record, having beaten Athletic Club, Olympiacos, and Atletico Madrid without conceding a goal.

Wenger contrasted Arsenal’s squad stability with Liverpool’s injury issues, suggesting the Gunners’ depth offers a crucial advantage in a long season.

“Compare them with Liverpool. I watched them finish the game against Chelsea — they had [Dominik] Szoboszlai at right-back and [Ryan] Gravenberch at centre-back. Arsenal would not be in that kind of position.”

Wenger’s comments underline a growing sense that Arteta has finally built a side capable of sustaining challenges on multiple fronts.

This season’s Arsenal have impressed not only with results but with control — dominating possession and showing greater defensive maturity. Their nine clean sheets in all competitions underline a team comfortable in both phases of play, with rotation now seamless rather than forced.

Arteta’s tactical evolution — blending high pressing with composure in possession — mirrors some of Wenger’s most successful Arsenal sides but with a stronger defensive backbone.

In our view, Wenger’s endorsement carries weight. Arsenal’s strength lies not only in their first XI but in their ability to rotate without significant drop-off. The likes of Eze, Trossard, and Madueke have added creativity and unpredictability, while the defensive depth — from Mosquera to Tomiyasu — gives Arteta rare flexibility.

This version of Arsenal looks built to last, capable of grinding out results as well as producing dominant performances. For the first time in over a decade, Wenger’s prediction of a title-winning Arsenal feels entirely credible.

FootballPlace analyst Liam Rowe believes Wenger’s praise highlights how far Arteta’s rebuild has come. “I think this is the first Arsenal squad since 2008 with genuine world-class depth,” he says. “They can change systems, cope with injuries, and still play their football. That’s what title-winning sides do.”

In my view, the mental resilience now matches the talent. Arsenal no longer crumble under pressure — they control it. That, as Wenger says, is the difference between contenders and champions.

Arsenal return to Premier League action against Crystal Palace on 26 October before facing Brighton in the Carabao Cup. With form, fitness, and squad depth all aligning, Arteta’s side look primed for a defining campaign.

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