Sutton praises Arsenal's squad depth after Saka injury blow
Chris Sutton believes Arsenal's squad depth was on full display against Everton, just days after Bukayo Saka was confirmed to be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Saka has been one of the most important players in Mikel Arteta's side this season, and news that he would be out for two months raised concerns among supporters about how Arsenal would cope in his absence. His first test without the winger came at home to David Moyes' Everton, a manager who has a history of frustrating Arsenal sides over the years.
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Arsenal passed that test comfortably, producing an assured performance to see off Everton and claim all three points. The result suggested that, while nobody can simply replace Saka's output, Arteta does have options elsewhere in the squad capable of keeping standards high.
Sutton highlights strength in numbers
Speaking on BBC Live, Sutton pointed to the quality of Arsenal's alternatives as a key factor in the win.
βIt's about squad depth and Arsenal have shown today changes which they've made, with Bukayo Saka being injured and out for a while, but they have players who can come in and may not be as effective but still enough to get over the line. A big three points.β
It is a notable endorsement from a pundit who has not always been complimentary of Arsenal in the past. Sutton's comments reflect a broader point about squad building under Arteta, who has spent recent transfer windows adding competition for places across the pitch rather than relying on a settled first eleven.
What it means for Arteta going forward
The win over Everton will offer some reassurance to Arteta as he plans for the weeks ahead without one of his most creative outlets. Saka's absence was always going to be felt, given his record of goal contributions and his importance to Arsenal's attacking rhythm, but the performance against Everton suggested the team can still function effectively.
Much will depend on whether the players stepping into Saka's role can maintain this level of output over a sustained period, rather than in a single fixture. Arsenal face a run of matches before Saka is expected back, and consistency from his replacements will be essential if the club are to keep pace in both the league and cup competitions.
For now, Arteta will take encouragement from a result that showed his squad has the depth to absorb a significant injury blow without it derailing their campaign.
