Mikel Arteta’s ‘incredible’ new Arsenal model reaping rewards already as David Raya hails Gunners’ strength in depth

DAVID RAYA used the word “incredible” to describe it.

But the Arsenal goalkeeper was not talking about his stunning penalty save to deny Sunderland midfielder Enzo Le Fee.

Nor was the Spaniard paying tribute to Bruno Guimaraes’ bullet of a strike just 121 seconds later.

Raya was instead hailing the Gunners’ frightening firepower off the bench, which ultimately secured them this 2-0 win to maintain their perfect start to the season.

Guimaraes opened the scoring 13 minutes after coming on at half time, before he combined with Mikel Merino late on to create the penalty that Bukayo Saka won and scored.

Merino and Guimaraes were two of the five substitutes Mikel Arteta used – and their combined transfer fees total around £250million.

Most read in Sport

ERL’S COURT

Prem issue statement on controversial Haaland goal that stunned fans & Neville

‘MURDER’ SHOCK

Rally champion & wife ‘battered to death’ as caretaker arrested for ‘murder’

WORLD WAR ROO

Rooney ‘gearing up’ for public war after Andy Carroll releases bombshell book

CONOR BAN

Benn facing ban from boxing after controversial second round loss to Garcia

No other side can compete with what Arteta has at his disposal, and last week underlined that.

This trip to Sunderland came off the back of a tough Champions League opener at Napoli in midweek.

The Gunners came through those tests with victories and clean sheets, and Arteta was able to make four changes for both games.

The Spaniard will no doubt make even more changes for tomorrow night’s Carabao Cup third round clash at Ipswich – but don’t expect the quality to drop.

Martin Zubimendi, who was signed for £51million from Real Sociedad a year ago, is one of those hoping to make his first start of the season.

Arteta will argue it is no surprise he has players shining off the bench given the importance he places on that.

One of the many changes the Arsenal boss has made since being hired seven years ago was renaming the substitutes.

They are referred to as ‘finishers’ and that is a product of Arteta being in a coaching WhatsApp group with former England rugby boss Eddie Jones.

It is drilled into the squad how, even if they do not start, they have a crucial role to play off the bench.

That message is clearly getting through and in the Prem last season Arsenal had 23 combined goals and assists from their substitutes, more than any other side.

Raya said: “You have to follow and trust what the boss wants you to do.

“Sometimes you are going to start, and sometimes you are going to be on the bench.

“Having that mentality to be important no matter when and how many minutes you play, is very important – especially when these seasons are so, so long.

“You are going to have your opportunity and you have to take it like everybody does.

“Last season we scored a lot of goals with people from the bench, who changed games. So, hopefully, this season it is the same.”

Guimaraes was a ‘finisher’ on Saturday night, but it surely won’t be long before he is a starter.

Injuries have led to him having a disrupted start since his £75m move from Newcastle this summer.

He looks fully fit now, though, and a cracker of a goal against Sunderland could be the perfect springboard.

Myles Lewis-Skelly has been partnering Declan Rice in midfield this season, however it will surely now be Guimaraes starting at Brighton on Saturday.

Raya said: “Obviously, Bruno has been very unlucky with his start. He had two little injuries that kept him out of the team.

“He brings a lot of things. He brings maturity, competitiveness and leadership. He is a warrior, but he is so technically gifted.