Lukas Podolski believes the performances of some of Arsenal's back-up players in the 4-1 Champions League win against Galatasaray on Tuesday proves that the club's squad boasts strength in depth.
After the disappointment of last Saturday's 3-2 Premier League defeat at Stoke, a much-changed lineup got the Gunners back to winning ways in Turkey.
Arsene Wenger handed appearances off the bench to youngsters Stefan O'Connor, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Gedion Zelalem, providing a glimpse into what could be a bright future for the club.
Podolski will also be hoping his display, which included two goals, pushes his claims for a first-team recall on a regular basis, amid persistent speculation that he may look to leave Arsenal in the January transfer window.
"We came here and left some players at home but you could see the mentality of the team in the first half was very good and the performance was as well," Podolski told Arsenal's official website. "It shows that we have some good strength in the squad.
"Of course we are very happy, we won away in Turkey against a good team. It is always difficult to play in Turkey with the atmosphere and the fans, but we did it well and we won 4-1, which is good.
"I had the chance to play today and I always want to score, give assists and play well. For me it was important to play 90 minutes and keep going. It is not always easy to come in and do well so it was good for me to do that."
Meanwhile, O'Connor spoke of his joy as he made an unexpected first-team debut in Europe's elite club competition.
"It's a dream come true. I would never have thought that at 17, I would be making my debut for the first team in the Champions League. Words can't explain it," O'Connor told Arsenal's official website.
"This is what I play football for. I'm proud of myself. My confidence is sky high at the moment, I just have to push on from here. It's a great start and I can't complain."
O'Connor went on to say that Per Mertesacker was a guiding influence in Turkey and proved crucial to the side's success.
"He encouraged me a lot," he said. "When I made a mistake or if I did something well, he just encouraged me. He's a good leader and he's a good guy to have around the team."
Podolski congratulated the Arsenal youngsters who made their Champions League debuts and hopes they will benefit from the experience of playing in the competition.
"It was important for them," he added. "You don't often have the chance to play as an 18 or 19-year-old in the Champions League and it was good for them. They came on in the second half, they did well and they should be very proud and happy to play in the Champions League."