Arsenal’s 2023/24 season was defined by depth and versatility, with their substitutes playing a crucial role in key moments. By this stage last season, Arsenal’s bench had contributed to an impressive 11 goals across all competitions, underscoring the strength in their squad. Fast forward to the current campaign, and that figure has dropped significantly to just five—a surprising dip for a side vying for domestic and European success.
The departure of players like Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah, who had proven to be an influential option off the bench in past seasons, has undoubtedly played a role in this decline. Smith Rowe’s ability to change games with his creativity and sharpness made him a valuable asset, but his move away from Arsenal has left a gap in Arteta’s arsenal of impact players.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 09: Emile Smith Rowe, Thomas Partey and Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal celebrate victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brentford FC at Emirates Stadium on March 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
This season, Mikel Arteta has relied heavily on a core group of starters, with substitutions often failing to provide the spark necessary to swing games in Arsenal’s favor. While the likes of Leandro Trossard and Fabio Vieira have shown flashes of brilliance, the overall output from the bench has not matched the levels of last season.
Tactical Stagnation or Squad Evolution?
Arteta’s tactical approach has also evolved this season, placing greater emphasis on control and structure, which might limit opportunities for impact players to shine. Additionally, injuries to key players like Gabriel Jesus earlier in the season have forced certain players to start rather than serve as game-changers from the bench.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Furthermore, Arsenal’s investment in young prospects such as Ethan Nwaneri signal a long-term vision. While these players offer potential, their relative inexperience means they’re less likely to contribute immediately at the same level as experienced players like Smith Rowe did in the past.
Room for Improvement
For Arsenal to maintain their title challenge and push deep in the UEFA Champions League, improving the contributions from their bench will be essential. The lack of goals from substitutes has been felt in matches where the starting XI struggled to break through, such as the recent 1-1 draws against Chelsea and Fulham.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, is held back by Albert Stuivenberg, Assistant Manager of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
With the January transfer window approaching, Arsenal may look to bolster their squad depth, targeting players who can provide immediate impact when coming off the bench. Alternatively, Arteta could focus on integrating current squad players more effectively into his system to rediscover the spark that defined last season’s substitutes.
If Arsenal can address this unexpected area of underperformance, they’ll be better equipped to compete on multiple fronts and avoid burnout among their key players. For now, however, their bench—a weapon that proved decisive last season—remains an area in need of revitalization.