[Getty Images]Pat Nevin - Former footballer and presenterTue, November 25, 2025 at 11:26 AM UTC·1 min readArsenal have a vital week ahead with Bayern Munich visiting on Wednesday and Chelsea waiting at the weekend.
The fans, the players and the manager must be desperate to play those games instead of previous uncertainty, or even dread, they had in previous seasons when key players were missing.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhile other teams might be complaining of those injuries or post international break tiredness, the Gunners had a shedload of missing players yet still swept Spurs aside on Sunday. They also still had a bench packed full of players who all could be considered starters themselves. This squad has an awesome depth of quality compared to every other Premier League team.
Gabriel was the single player they would have been concerned about losing but even his absence had minimal effect. It is not just the first XI that looks like a team, the entire squad feels like a single interchangeable entity just now. This is incredibly rare especially when that squad is packed with wonderful creative players, yet Mikel Arteta has still been able to keep them hungry and together.
Eberechi Eze looks like a classic individualistic player but even he does the grunt work when asked and will sit on the bench waiting his turn respectfully when the manager decides that is best for the team. I am guessing that will not be often from here on in when the crucial games arrive.
The hat-trick performance against Spurs was extra special, a masterclass on how to play as a number 10 and a clear sign that the key role he had at Crystal Palace is now being transferred to the Gunners.
Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter
