Arsenal faces a crucial week ahead, with Bayern Munich visiting on Wednesday and Chelsea scheduled for the weekend.
Fans, players, and the manager alike must be eager to take on these matches, especially considering the previous seasons fraught with anxiety over key player absences.
While other teams might lament injuries or fatigue following the international break, the Gunners managed to overcome a number of missing players and still convincingly defeated Spurs on Sunday. Their bench was filled with players who could easily be starters elsewhere, showcasing the remarkable depth and quality of this squad compared to other Premier League teams.
Gabriel was perhaps the only player whose absence raised concerns, but even without him, the team functioned effectively. It’s not just the first eleven that feels cohesive; the entire squad operates as a well-oiled, interchangeable unit. This is a rare quality, especially with so many talented creative players, yet Mikel Arteta has successfully maintained their motivation and unity.
Eberechi Eze may come across as a typical individualistic player, but he also puts in the hard work when necessary and waits patiently on the bench for his chance, supporting the team’s strategy. As we approach decisive matches ahead, his opportunities may become more frequent.
His hat-trick performance against Spurs was particularly impressive, showcasing a masterclass of playing the number 10 role, signifying how well he’s adapting to the key role he held at Crystal Palace now being translated to the Gunners.
Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter