Arsene Wenger says it’s easier for him to rotate his squad these days because the overall quality of player he has at his disposal is better than ever.

For example, if Arsenal lose a player as important as Per Mertesacker, there’s now Gabriel to take his place. Hector Bellerin is left behind, and we can call on hugely experienced French international Mathieu Debuchy.

And that, according to the Arsenal manager, enables him to make changes more confidently than in the past to keep his squad fresh.

“I have a squad of 20 players, all experienced and every decision I make is very difficult,” he said.

“It is quite easy to change two or three players, more than it was in years before because they are all at a very good level.

“I know the same team cannot play every single game over the next three weeks. I try to keep the balance right and give a little breather to players who need it.”

Kieran Gibbs, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mikel Arteta and Olivier Giroud could all come into the side for tomorrow night’s Champions League opener against Dinamo Zagreb.

Arsenal will be looking to avoid the terrible start made by both Manchester clubs who lost this evening – City going down 2-1 at home to Juventus while in Holland PSV came out winners over United by the same scoreline.