Arsenal were able to chalk up a vital Premier League victory as they beat Manchester United 2-0 on Wednesday night.
This was a hugely important fixture for the Gunners, who are on the back foot in the Premier League title race. However, after Liverpool were held to a draw by Newcastle United, Arsenal were able to gain some ground on the Reds, who are currently top of the table.
Arsenal also made history with this win at the Emirates Stadium, as they have now beaten Manchester United on each of the last four occasions that they have faced them in the league. This is a feat that the North London club had never managed before.
Squad depth is crucial to Arsenal title chances
Mikel Arteta will be delighted with the maturity and composure that his side showed against the Red Devils.
The Gunners gave very little away throughout the match, as they controlled proceedings. This is exemplified by the fact that Manchester United managed to register a xG of just 0.22.
This is all the more impressive given that Arsenal were without Gabriel Martinelli and Riccardo Calafiori due to injury.
Due to this duo’s absence, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior were afforded rare Premier League starts, and Arteta was delighted with how the pair stepped up to deliver for the club.
Speaking in his press conference after the match, as quoted by the official Arsenal website, the Spanish coach said: “Big credit to Jakub and Alex, I think it’s the first start for Jakub after a long time, you have to be thrown against this kind of opposition this kind of front players.
“The same with Alex, they did magnificently well so great. We trust them, they prepared so well, they had the opportunity and they grabbed it with both hands so very pleased for the team.”
If Arsenal are to stand any chance of being crowned Premier League champions this season, then every player will have to play their part, and Arteta must feel that he can trust his squad depth options to step up when called upon.
How will Mikel Arteta improve his squad in the January transfer window?
Arsenal have been told to sign a striker, and in terms of first choice options, that is likely the position in greatest need of an upgrade. Although, Kai Havertz has done an admirable job of leading the line so far this season.
Signing a proven and prolific goalscorer could prove prohibitively expensive this winter, though. Instead, Arteta may consider some cheaper options to add greater strength in depth to his squad.
Cover for Bukayo Saka ought to be a priority, and an argument can be made that an extra playmaker is needed after Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe were both permitted to leave the club in the most recent summer.
However, Ethan Nwaneri has shown this season that he can already be trusted as a rotation option, despite still being just 17-years-old.
All in all, it is unlikely to be a busy January transfer window for the Gunners. In terms of his squad, Arteta may simply hold what he has, as he clearly has faith in his existing options.
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