With Matchday 11 of the Premier League season just around the corner, Arsenal find themselves at the top of the table. But have they got what it takes to mount a serious title challenge?
Prior to the start of the campaign, Manchester City and Liverpool were expected to battle it out for the trophy once again. However, it’s Mikel Arteta’s Gunners who lead the way after nine games.
That sound... 😍 pic.twitter.com/6tE4BzeSFY— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 10, 2022
That sound... 😍 pic.twitter.com/6tE4BzeSFY
Arsenal have won eight of their nine Premier League clashes this term, suffering a solitary defeat along the way. Although Man City remain the only unbeaten team in the division, they trail the Gunners by one point – having registered seven wins and two draws.
Arteta’s men kicked off their campaign with a five-game winning streak, dispatching Crystal Palace (0-2), Leicester City (4-2), Bournemouth (0-3), Fulham (2-1) and Aston Villa (2-1).
Although they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Manchester United at the beginning of September, it didn’t take them long to return to winning ways.
On Matchday 8, Arsenal beat Brentford 0-3. After claiming the north London bragging rights with a 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, they beat Liverpool 3-2 last weekend – completing back-to-back wins over two top-four rivals.
The Gunners have clearly upped their game following the arrival of several players in the summer. Gabriel Jesus has bagged five goals and five assists in the league, while William Saliba has been immense at the back.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has also impressed after moving from Man City with Jesus. Meanwhile, Fabio Vieira has shown glimpses of quality following his transfer from Porto.
Other players have starred, too. Gabriel Martinelli has racked up four goals and two assists in the league, while Bukayo Saka has contributed three goals and four assists. Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka have also impressed in midfield.
It’s fair to say that Arsenal have improved all over the pitch this season. Having scored 23 goals and conceded ten in nine Premier League outings, they appear to be stronger at both ends.
It is also worth noting that Arsenal have a favourable run of fixtures before the World Cup. Following games against Leeds United, Southampton and Nottingham Forest, they face Chelsea before playing Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Gunners’ scheduled clash with Man City on October 19 has been postponed, meaning they won’t face their main title rivals until after the World Cup break.
At this moment in time, it might be too early to class Arsenal as genuine title contenders. But if they carry on the way they’re going, there is no reason why the can’t mount a serious challenge for the trophy.