Arsenal’s substitutes boost Arteta as tougher tests loom

Arsenal’s bench again delivered the decisive impact, handing Mikel Arteta another encouraging result while leaving bigger questions ahead of a tougher stretch.

The Gunners have repeatedly found crucial contributions from their substitutes, underlining the depth available to Arteta as he manages his squad through a demanding schedule. Those late interventions have helped Arsenal turn tight situations in their favour.

However, the latest outcome does not remove every concern. Arsenal face more difficult opposition in the matches to come, when their starting XI, defensive resilience and ability to control games for longer periods will face a sharper examination.

Arteta will take confidence from the options at his disposal, particularly the influence his replacements have produced. The next tests will show whether Arsenal can maintain that edge when the margins become even smaller.