Thierry Henry explains huge Arsenal difference this season that Mikel Arteta will love

Thierry Henry has asserted that the impressive depth of Arsenal's squad available to Mikel Arteta significantly boosts their chances of success this season.

The Gunners continued their strong start to the campaign on Wednesday with a 2-0 victory over Olympiacos in the Champions League. Gabriel Martinelli justified Arteta's trust by scoring the first goal after Viktor Gyokeres' attempt hit the post.

Arsenal dominated the Greek titans throughout the match before Bukayo Saka netted his second goal of the season during injury time. The win positions Arsenal fifth in the Champions League league phase, level on six points with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Qarabag FK.

So far this season, Arteta's side have secured victories in seven out of their first nine matches across all competitions. After two seasons of falling short due to limited squad size, the Gunners significantly enhanced Arteta's options during the summer transfer window.

Eight new players were brought in for a total of £257million, with the likes of Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke all strengthening the team.

New sporting director Andrea Berta's transfer business has put the Gunners in a favourable position for success this season. Many predict they will end their long wait for a Premier League title, while also making a strong run in the Champions League, which is a distinct possibility after reaching the semi-finals last season.

Speaking on CBS Sports' Golazo show alongside Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards, Arsenal legend Henry hinted at his prediction for his former club, emphasising the importance of a strong squad. Discussing Goncalo Ramos' impact off the bench for Paris Saint-Germain after his winner at Barcelona, he said: "I do believe that you go through a season, you need your bench.

"This is why I think Arsenal, this year, have a big chance to win stuff because the bench can change the game."

So far this season, Arsenal have seen 11 goals provided by substitutes - all in the last five games. Leandro Trossard and Martinelli have both netted twice and assisted once, while Saka and Martin Odegaard came off the bench to contribute to the second goal last night.

When asked about the reassurance he feels when turning to his bench, Arteta acknowledged its significance. "With all respect, last season we were looking and we had five academy players there that probably never played professional football in the Champions League," he said.

"It makes a difference. Today we decided to change six players, I think it was, because I want everybody to really be involved and feel part of it, and it was great.

"We had the feeling as well that physically we were dropping because we played a really intense match in Newcastle a few days ago. The ones that come in again, they lift the level, they help us win the game, and that's great."

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