Arsenal's Depth Charge: A World-Class Side Poised to Conquer England and Europe
29 October 2025
Arsenal's depth could redefine the season
John Obi Mikel, the former Chelsea midfielder, says Arsenal have emerged as the favorites to win both the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League this season, praising Mikel Arteta and the depth of the Gunners' squad.
Arsenal sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League, and seven ahead of defending champions Liverpool, while their European form has been impressive too, with three straight group-stage wins against Athletic Bilbao, Olympiakos and Atletico Madrid, during which they conceded no goals.
In his latest appearance on The Obi Wan Podcast, Mikel said that this season is Arsenal's season, and if Arteta doesn't win the league now that would be a major failure; the squad is monstrous in every sense.
He added that Arsenal not only have the best team in England but perhaps in all of Europe; he bets there is no club with this level of depth in the squad right now.
More than the starting XI, the depth among substitutes could decide matches. We saw Martinelli coming off the bench to score decisive goals, and other backups contributing even in the absence of injured players.
He insisted that the title belongs to Arsenal to lose, speaking with a firm tone about the mental shift inside the dressing room. The players believe in themselves more than ever.
He noted that the change in mentality has brought them closer to the dream, with a clear sense of maturity and belief in the squad's ability to chase glory on all fronts.
He also stressed that the shift in mentality is what makes them so close to achieving the dream, adding that Arteta knows how to deploy every player and balance experience with youth.
Moreover, Mikel argued that Arsenal could win both domestic and European titles, given the complete nature of the squad and the way they play that can threaten any foe.
He pointed to the solid defensive showing in Europe—three matches without conceding—as a sign of tactical maturity enough to compete on every front.
Despite strong results, Arsenal have drawn criticism for relying heavily on set-pieces, having only five open-play goals from sixteen in the league so far. Mikel defended Arteta, saying the priority is to win, not the method, and that modern football rewards results above style.
He also urged smarter use of creative talent, noting that with Declan Rice, Zubimendi, and players like Saka, Martinelli, and Madueke, there is no excuse to settle for set-piece goals alone. Open-play opportunities must be found.
This issue is not entirely new; since last season Arsenal have leaned on corners and crosses, but there is a need to exploit open play more consistently. After spending more than a billion pounds over six to seven years, there must be a clear plan to win through open play as well.
Mikel also praised Arteta for using every player effectively, managing the balance between experience and youth, and driving a long-term project. In three years, Arteta has built a well-organized squad capable of competing at home and in Europe while handling media pressure with poise.
Punchline time: Arsenal's bench is so deep that even the substitutions need a passport to get on the pitch.
Punchline 2: If depth wins leagues, Arsenal have already hit the jackpot—and maybe a European bonus round as well.
