Oleksandr Zinchenko believes his battle with Takehiro Tomiyasu for the Arsenal left-back spot is a "positive sign" for the Gunners, because it shows the depth in their squad.
Zinchenko started and scored as Arsenal beat Burnley 3-1 on Saturday to move to within one point of leaders Manchester City.
Before the weekend, the Ukrainian had been on the Arsenal bench for their previous two games, after Mikel Arteta picked Tomiyasu to start ahead of him.
Tomiyasu was named Arsenal's Player of the Month for October, and Zinchenko is relishing the competition for his place in the team.
"We have an amazing squad and good competition in every single position," he said. "I think it is definitely a positive sign.
"We are on the right way. We are working so hard as a team, the coaching staff as well. Every single day we give our all and the energy of our fans gives us a boost that we have a bright future."
Arsenal's win over Burnley rounded off a good week, following their Champions League win over Sevilla last Wednesday. The Gunners had needed to bounce back after back-to-back defeats at West Ham and Newcastle.
"I don't know any team in the world that didn't lose a game, but it is important to react well from the defeats and it gives you your confidence back," Zinchenko added.
"We did well and worked so hard in this period. We knew we had to be back on track and that is what we have done.
"I was so happy to get my first goal at the Emirates. We had to move on from the defeat in the past and we have to keep going."
The title race this season looks wide open, with just three points separating Manchester City in first to Aston Villa in fifth.
"Well, this is why the Premier League is the best in the world," said Zinchenko. "There is always a good competition everywhere, not just at the top of the table.
"Here, you never know. Any team can beat you and punish you if you are not at your best, which is why you have to stay focused every single game."
Arsenal next face Brentford away when the Premier League resumes after the international break.
