Arsenal Backed as Champions League Front-Runners Thanks to Superior Squad Depth

Arsenal have been tipped to hold a significant edge in this season’s Champions League, with former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman claiming the Gunners possess the strongest squad in Europe’s elite competition.

Mikel Arteta’s side reinforced their growing reputation as serious contenders with a dominant 4–0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. Gabriel Magalhaes opened the scoring before Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyökeres — who netted twice — sealed the win during a ruthless 14-minute spell in the second half.

The result maintained Arsenal’s perfect start to the league phase, having already recorded consecutive 2–0 victories over Athletic Club in Bilbao and Olympiacos. Arteta’s men now boast a 100 per cent record and sit fourth overall on goal difference, level on points with European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid.

With Slavia Prague, Bayern, Club Brugge, Inter, and Champions League newcomers FC Kairat still to come, Arsenal appear well-positioned to progress deep into the competition.

McManaman praised the squad’s balance and depth, noting that Arteta’s side combines technical quality with tactical maturity — a blend capable of challenging Europe’s best. “Arsenal have options across every position,” he said. “Their strength in depth gives them a real advantage over most sides in the competition.”

As the Champions League campaign gathers pace, Arsenal’s form and squad quality suggest they could finally be ready to turn potential into silverware.