Martin Keown believes Max Dowman’s omission from Arsenal’s squad against Aston Villa proves they have enough firepower to compete.
Dowman, who plays as a forward, was not involved in the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Villa on Monday evening.
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Instead, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta opted for Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke as his attacking options on the bench.
Even then, Eze was the only member of the trio who came on against Villa, although the nature of the contest after Bukayo Saka’s 59th-minute strike meant a more controlled approach was required.
However, there will come a time when Arteta needs to lean on the full range of attackers in the squad.
Which attacking players have left Arsenal this summer, and who has joined?
Worryingly, Arsenal look set to end the transfer window short on forwards as Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard have both exited while Gabriel Martinelli is on the verge of joining Al Hilal for a club record figure.
Teenage star Ethan Nwaneri has also departed on loan to Borussia Dortmund.
In contrast, Christos Tszolis is the Gunners’ sole attacking acquisition this summer.
Despite the imbalance in numbers, Keown believes it will be enough for Arsenal to defend their Premier League crown.
Martin Keown’s verdict on Arsenal’s depth
“I’m comfortable with the group,” Keown said on talkSPORT’s White and Jordan.
“Yes, numerically you need another wide player.
“But Max Dowman is a young player that couldn’t even get on the bench, such is the quality of that group.”
Keown also felt Dowman’s exclusion gave weight to Arteta’s push for larger Premier League matchday squads.
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In the Premier League, teams can name up to 20 players for games.
It is a noticeably lower figure compared to other leading European leagues, as LaLiga clubs can name 23 players in their matchday squads while Serie A allows for 25.
“Maybe that’s (larger matchday squads) something that needs to come in because one or two of these guys can’t sit on the bench,” Keown said.
Who has Arsenal attempted to sign this summer?
Should Arteta get his wish, he won’t have a lengthy list of alternative attacking options to call on.
But it hasn’t been for a lack of trying.
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Arsenal targeted Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior, but neither pursuit was successful.
Rogers instead joined Chelsea for £117million while Vini Jr inked a new deal to remain at Real Madrid.
Belgian forward Malick Fofana was also offered to the Gunners but they chose not to pursue the deal with Fofana heading to Sunderland.