Major silverware could usher in ‘years of dominance’ for Arsenal, claims Given
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But an injury-depleted side bounced back and beat Club Brugge 3-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday night in yet another statement of intent in the competition.
“Seven players out, I think it is, and first-team players that would probably start in any big game, so he’s (Arteta) managing that,” Given said on TNT Sports after the match.
Given continued: “But going back to what I said, it’s about the squad of players he’s built over the last three or four years. You’d struggle to find a stronger squad in Europe in all departments, I really think that.”
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‘Delighted’ Madueke believes Arsenal can win both Premier League and Champions League
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In lieu of Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke started in Bruges and fired in two goals, the first of which a magnificent solo run and strike to open the scoring.
His second was far simpler, but the winger stood out and handed Arteta and the supporters a quick reminder of his credentials.
Injuries have definitely played a large part in Arsenal’s failure to capture silverware or hang on in the title race previously, but Madueke is proof of the club’s bolstered squad options, and given stressed the importance of having strong players able to deputise.
“Madueke comes in for Saka tonight, scores two goals and gets man of the match. (Gabriel) Martinelli on the other side scores, and (Martin) Zubimendi was involved. Players like that are so important to that group,” Given added.
“It will all depend on what happens at the end of the season. They’re on a really good pathway at the minute. And they’ve had so much negativity thrown their way when they finish second two or three times in the Premier League.
“They’re called the ‘nearly team’ until they get their hands on a big bit of silverware. Then it’ll probably flow after that. You might see a few years of dominance from Arsenal because the squad is strong enough to do that.”
Mental fragility amid those injury dilemmas and setbacks has also been levied as an issue against Arteta, but the Spaniard has worked hard to create an ethos of togetherness that both supporters and players have bought into.
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Highlights: Madueke stars as Arsenal vanquish Brugge
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But former Manchester City goalkeeper and TNT Sports expert Joe Hart used Liverpool as an example of where that unity can very quickly fall apart.
“Whilst you’re winning, that’s very easy to create,” he explained.
“But you’ve only got to look at Liverpool. Last season everything was coming out beautifully. This season, a few cracks, lose a few games. That’s when you see how people react, how players react, how they interview. And that’s so important for Arsenal because the pressure will come if they don’t win consistently.
“But it’s not about that right now. They’ve been excellent, built a really good squad, people coming and contributing. They will have their moment, it’s how they react when they have that moment.”
‘Noni and Gabi were outstanding’ – Arteta
Both Madueke and Martinelli were handed starts on either wing in Belgium, and each fired respective rockets past young goalkeeper Dani van den Heuvel.
“I think both of them, Noni and Gabi, were outstanding today, the level of threat and finishing was spectacular,” Arteta said.
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Watch emotional moment Arsenal squad embrace Jesus after 11 months out
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In another boost to Arteta’s attacking options, he welcomed Gabriel Jesus back into the fold 11 months after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The forward could not contain his smile after the final whistle and was hugged by team-mates.
Arteta continued: “Then of course, Gabriel Jesus is back after 11 months and this difficult journey that he’s been through with all of us. To see him perform in the manner he did, really positive.
“You get an injury, and the surgery and everybody is fully behind you. But there’s a moment that you are alone, and you have to go through a lot of pain and difficult moments and uncertainty. He’s done that a few times in his career, and he’s showed his mental toughness, how much he loves to play football, and we are delighted to have him back.
“Right now it’s about managing the situation in the backline, because some players are there but they cannot play more than 30 minutes. It’s been tough, but with the attitude the players have, I know that if I ask anybody to play there, they will do it.”
