The Arsenal win against Inter Milan on Wednesday, January 20, at the San Siro further consolidated their position at the top of the UEFA Champions League table. Arsenal won the match 3-1 thanks to a brace by Gabriel Jesus and another goal by Viktor Gyokeres.
Beating Inter Milan, who were the runners-up last season in Europe’s premier competition, at their home is not an easy job by any means. The Arsenal win in Milan once again confirmed the great bench strength they had.
Arsenal Win Despite Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard Absence
The Arsenal win against the Italian giants came despite resting their two star midfielders. Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino started for Odegaard and Rice, respectively. Jesus started in place of Viktor Gyokeres as the No.9.
It was only Jesus’ 12th appearance for the Gunners this season, and he has now scored three goals in them. The Brazilian forward has missed the majority of the season owing to an injury, but his return to the side has strengthened Arsenal without any doubt.
Rice and Odegaard have 10 assists between them so far this season, and that too has happened with the latter missing a number of matches in the first half of the season. Otherwise, that number would have gone further up, probably.
As Mikel Arteta’s men have a key match coming up against Manchester United inthe Premier League this weekend, it was imperative for them to rest their two best midfielders. The fact that the Arsenal win against Inter Milan still happened underlines the enviable depth they have in their squad.
Merino has played in 32 matches so far and continues to be a great utility player for the Gunners. Eze, another new signing by the North Londoners, has 26 appearances for them. Both Merion and Eze have chipped in with five goals apiece.
Further, Kai Havertz has featured in only three matches so far owing to an injury, and his return should give Arsenal even more options.
It is an enviable bench to have, and very few clubs in the world enjoy that kind of luxury. That is a very big reason why Arsenal, who sit at the top of the Premier League table after 22 rounds of matches, should dream of winning multiple titles this season.
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Key Matches Coming Up
Aside from the match against Manchester United, Arsenal also have two Premier League matches against Leeds United and Chelsea coming up within the next couple of weeks. All three matches could be tricky for them and might compel them to lose vital points.
Manchester City are four points adrift of Arsenal, but they play Wolves before Arsenal’s next match. Winning that match will enable the Cityzens to cut down Arsenal’s lead to four points before the Gunners play their next match.
In such a demanding situation, Arsenal’s squad depth should prove to be a huge factor. The Arsenal win against Inter showed that they were capable of matching any European opponent. The Gunners have never won the Champions League, and this season might be the one to set their record straight.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Recording Date: 20.01.2026
