LONDON, ENGLAND — On a chilly October evening at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal delivered a masterclass in squad depth and tactical flexibility, dismantling Olympiakos in the UEFA Champions League with a performance that underscored their transformation into a formidable force. Mikel Arteta’s side, once reliant on a core group of starters, has evolved into a relentless machine, boasting a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. With a 14-match winning streak in home European group stage fixtures and a squad brimming with talent, Arsenal are not just contenders—they’re primed for a historic treble charge.
A New Arsenal: Depth That Defies Expectations
The 2025/26 season has revealed a reinvented Arsenal, one that no longer crumbles when key players are rested or injured. Against Olympiakos on October 1, 2025, Arteta made six changes to his starting lineup, leaving out stars like Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, yet the Gunners still secured a commanding victory. Gabriel Martinelli, who opened the scoring, and Leandro Trossard led the charge, proving that Arsenal’s attacking options are as lethal as they are varied. Martinelli, once a guaranteed starter, has embraced his role as a dynamic impact player, scoring crucial goals against Olympiakos, Manchester City, and Athletic Bilbao.
Arteta’s ability to rotate without sacrificing quality is a stark contrast to previous seasons. “Last season, we were looking at the bench and we had five academy players that probably never played professional football in the Champions League,” Arteta remarked post-match. Now, with players like Eze, Noni Madueke, and Martinelli ready to step up, Arsenal’s attacking depth is the envy of Europe.
Saka: The Star Who Shines Smarter
Bukayo Saka, Arsenal’s talisman, epitomizes the club’s new approach. At 24, he’s approaching his 300th appearance for the club, with his 200th Premier League game looming. But Arteta’s cautious management of his star winger—resting him against Olympiakos to avoid aggravating a recurring hamstring issue—shows a newfound pragmatism. When Saka entered the fray in stoppage time, he was unstoppable, scoring the goal that sealed the win and nearly setting up Martin Odegaard with a pinpoint cross. By preserving Saka for key moments, Arteta ensures his star remains fresh for the grueling schedule ahead.
Midfield Mastery and Defensive Resilience
Arsenal’s strength isn’t limited to their forward line. In midfield, Declan Rice’s relentless energy is now complemented by the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, who seamlessly filled the void against Olympiakos. Rice, often a glutton for punishment, was given a breather, yet the Gunners’ midfield remained dominant. This flexibility allows Arteta to keep his key players fresh without compromising performance.
Defensively, Arsenal have addressed past vulnerabilities. When Gabriel Magalhaes went down injured in the second half, Arteta didn’t hesitate to replace him with Cristhian Mosquera. Unlike the 2022-23 season, when William Saliba’s injury derailed Arsenal’s title bid due to inadequate backups like Rob Holding, Mosquera’s presence ensured no drop in quality. Gabriel’s precautionary withdrawal—a luxury Arteta couldn’t afford a year ago—highlights the squad’s newfound resilience.
The £600m Blueprint: Building a Treble-Winning Squad
Arsenal’s transformation hasn’t come cheap. Over £600m net has been invested to assemble a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups. Inspired by Manchester City’s model of having two world-class players for every position, Arsenal are closing the gap. From Eze and Madueke competing with Martinelli and Trossard in attack, to Zubimendi and Merino backing up Rice in midfield, to Mosquera stepping in for Gabriel or Saliba in defense, Arsenal’s squad depth is now a weapon.
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This investment has propelled Arsenal to three consecutive years as Premier League title contenders and a Champions League semi-final appearance last season. The next step? Emulating the Gunners’ 2003-04 Invincibles, who last achieved the domestic double. With a squad this deep and versatile, a treble—Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup—is no longer a pipe dream.
Arteta’s Winning Formula: Flexibility Meets Ruthlessness
What makes Arsenal unplayable in 2025 is Arteta’s ability to blend tactical flexibility with ruthless execution. His willingness to rotate key players like Saka, Rice, and Gabriel without weakening the team showcases a manager at the peak of his powers. The Olympiakos match was a microcosm of this approach: Martinelli’s early miss could have rattled a less confident side, but his eventual goal, combined with Saka’s late strike, demonstrated Arsenal’s ability to grind out results while preserving their stars.
Off the pitch, Arteta’s man-management has kept the squad harmonious. Martinelli, no longer an automatic starter, remains a vital cog, while players like Eze and Madueke bring creativity and flair. This balance of competition and camaraderie is what sets Arsenal apart.
A Treble Charge Beckons
As Arsenal prepare for their next Premier League clash, the Emirates is buzzing with belief. The days of relying on a thin squad are gone. With a bench that boasts England internationals and a starting XI capable of outclassing any opponent, Arsenal are not just competing—they’re dominating. Twenty years after their last double, the Gunners are poised to explode onto the European stage and make history.