Pundits have insisted Arsenal have the best squad - but they have to prove it on the pitch and Mikel Arteta must rotate his players to full effect between now and May
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta applauds the fans following the English Premier League football match between Brentford and Arsenal at the Gtech Community Stadium in London on February 12, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta applauds the fans following the English Premier League football match between Brentford and Arsenal at the Gtech Community Stadium in London on February 12, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
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Mikel Arteta is eyeing four trophies(Image: GLYN KIRK, AFP via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta will only be able to boast having the best squad if Arsenal win the Premier League title this season. And to really prove it beyond doubt, Arsenal probably need to deliver multiple trophies because they are currently in the hunt for four.
But Arsenal’s squad will be severely tested in the next three months as they chase down the title, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
There are a few injuries creeping in now with Arteta ruling out Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz for the trip to Wolves while Mikel Merino is out for most of the season after undergoing surgery on a broken foot.
That is only natural when the games are coming thick and fast every three days. But it is also about managing the demands, rotating the squad and that is down to Arteta.
What an opportunity for some of these players to become legends, write their names into the history books and end Arsenal’s 22 year wait for the title.
It would be so difficult to win the quadruple - virtually impossible, in fact - but Arsenal have won three Doubles in the past in 1971, 1998 and 2002 and the players from those teams have written their names into club folklore.
But only if this squad fulfils its potential and promise can it be judged alongside the teams of those different eras.
And only if Arsenal deliver this season can their squad be judged as the best. It is arguably the deepest. It arguably has the most quality.
But the best squad is the one which wins the title. The squad is not just about 20 great players. It is about a winning dynamic, mentality and chemistry.
Sometimes it is about the unsung hero or big influence on the dressing room. But it is so much about belief, mentality and experience.
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta during the Arsenal Press Conference at Sobha Realty Training Centre on January 27, 2026 in London Colney, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta has incredible glory chance(Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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That is what still sets Manchester City apart. They have a squad full of proven winners and that is why they still have arguably the best squad.
It felt like it might be Liverpool after some extraordinary transfer business on the back of last season’s title success. But even after bringing Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz among others, you could not argue they currently have the best squad.
It is all about proving it on the pitch. Arsenal have great options in all positions. Superb back-up. When they brought in Piero Hincapie at the end of the window, a few people were questioning whether they really needed him. He has definitely proved his worth.
Martin Zubimendi has proved to be one of the signings of the season. Eberechi Eze was a huge deal but has had a stop start season. Cristhian Mosquera and Christian Norgaard were smaller deals but have played good roles at different times.
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Noni Madueke has been a bit inconsistent but has overall been a strong addition and provided really strong back-up for Bukayo Saka.
As the games wear on, Arteta will need the squad players to step up. If there is one fault in Arteta’s make-up then it must be about squad management.
That derailed Arsenal’s season last year when they were bitten by injuries at the wrong time. Liverpool boss Arne Slot talked about tapering down training, keeping players fit and they were superb as they cruised to the title.
It is a big lesson for this Arsenal generation. It is another huge week. First up a trip to Wolves and then on to the North London derby.
They must hold their nerve but also prove they have the strongest squad. Because until they win, then no-one can say they have the best squad. That accolade will belong to the champions for a very good reason.
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