Mikel Arteta was delighted with the depth of his Arsenal side, who beat Luton 2-0 at the Emirates to go top of the Premier League.
Arteta made five changes for the visit of relegation-threatened Luton, with the likes of Declan Rice, Gabriel Jesus and Jorginho given a rest before a busy spell of games.
Arsenal called upon the likes of Emile Smith-Rowe and Reiss Nelson, the latter has not started a game for Arsenal since 2020. Thomas Partey also made a rare start.
“I look at my players and squad in a different way. It’s a joy to have them fit. If we want to utilise the squad and maximise what we have, they have to play”, said Arteta
“I though I think they did really well. I think we have won again with good confidence and I think they’ve been really important for us.
“When they have their moment they have to take it. They give me every reason every day, regardless of the result. At the end of you have to do what they deserve. Winning or not winning it’s a different story in football.
“It’s certainly different to what we had last season. Touch wood we can maintain them. As well that we use them and they are in the right physical and mental state to help the team.”
Bukayo Saka was absent after suffering a knock against Manchester City at the weekend, but Arteta is hopeful the winger can return for Arsenal’s next game against Brighton.
“He was close but again he felt something in a very similar area against City and it was a very short turnaround. Hopefully he’ll be able to train again and we can have him for the weekend”, said the Arsenal boss.
