Steve McManaman on Arsenal
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Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman has boldly claimed that Arsenal possess the strongest squad in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
The Gunners made a powerful statement in Europe on Tuesday night, dismantling Atletico Madrid 4–0 at the Emirates Stadium. Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, and a quick-fire double from Viktor Gyokeres sealed a sensational victory, all within a blistering 14-minute spell in the second half.
Mikel Arteta’s men have enjoyed a flawless start to their Champions League campaign, winning all three of their league phase matches so far. Prior to their demolition of Atletico, Arsenal had recorded successive 2–0 victories, first away at Athletic Club in Bilbao and then at home to Olympiacos.
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That perfect record sees them level on points with defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, though they currently sit fourth in the overall table on goal difference. Upcoming fixtures against Slavia Prague, Bayern, Club Brugge, Inter, and debutants FC Kairat will further test their credentials.
After last season’s heartbreak in the semi-finals when they fell 3–1 on aggregate to eventual winners PSG, Arsenal look determined to go one step further this time. Their strong European form mirrors their domestic dominance, as they lead the Premier League by three points and have already booked a place in the Carabao Cup last 16.
📊🤯 Arsenal have won every game and not conceded a single goal in the Champions League group stage at home under Mikel Arteta.
✅ 9 won
❌ 0 lost
⚽️ 27 scored
⛔️ 0 conceded pic.twitter.com/AaTnMEw35Q
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) October 24, 2025
Defensively, they’ve been equally impressive. Arteta’s side have conceded just three goals in 12 matches across all competitions, with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland the only player to score against them from open play during last month’s 1–1 draw at the Emirates.
McManaman attributes Arsenal’s progress to their smart summer recruitment, which saw the arrivals of Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke, additions that, he believes, have elevated the squad to Europe’s elite level.
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When asked by TNT Sports host Laura Woods which team boasted the best squad in the competition, the former Real Madrid and England winger replied: “In numbers, I think Arsenal have.
“I think Bayern are excellent, but Barca and Bayern don’t have any depth. I think Real Madrid have depth, but in terms of quality, I would say Arsenal have the better squad.”
With their balance of experience, tactical structure, and newfound squad depth, McManaman’s verdict reflects a growing consensus that Arsenal are no longer just contenders, but genuine favourites to lift the Champions League for the first time in their history.
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