Published: 7 February, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENAL might have only brought in the one new face in the shape of Nacho Monreal during the January transfer window, but there’s one player who thinks that the sole signing was more than enough.

Mikel Arteta praised the strength in depth that already exists within the squad after the Gunners beat Stoke City 1-0 on Saturday at the Emirates.
Arsene Wenger benched the likes of Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski, who came on to score the winner with a deflected free-kick.

Arteta, who made his return to the starting XI after almost a month out injured, feels rotation made all the difference.

“You have to rotate,” he told Arsenal Player. “I think Santi’s played a lot of games, as I did before I got injured.

“The last thing you want is for him to get injured for a few weeks, especially now there’s important games coming up.

“Santi came on to help us win the game and that shows that the players can be changed, that we can rotate the team, and that we have a powerful squad.”

Reflecting on the win Arteta added: “You know you have to be patient in those games. Sometimes when you have to rush the game you make mistakes and get hit on the counter attack.

“It took a bit of luck to win the game, but it was enough to earn the three points and we’re delighted.”