Is This Arsenal’s Year to Claim the Title?

Arsenal’s Strong Position

Arsenal supporters have often held onto hope during title races, only to see it dashed as the team fell short. Yet, the current season feels distinctly different.

Their recent victory over Burnley, with a score of 2-0, marked their fifth consecutive win in the Premier League, propelling them seven points ahead at the top of the table, though they have played one more match than several teams trailing behind. This win has ramped up the pressure on fierce competitors like defending champions Liverpool, currently seven points behind in third, and Manchester City, who sit nine points adrift as they prepare to host second-placed Bournemouth.

While it is still early in the season, anticipation builds – could this finally be Arsenal’s moment to end a 22-year title drought after finishing as runners-up for the past three times?

Set-Piece Dominance

Key to Arsenal’s Success

Burnley’s strong defensive record, which helped them gain promotion from the Championship last season, showcased their resilience, conceding only 16 goals across 46 matches. However, Arsenal capitalized on their own set-piece prowess during the match, which was crucial given Burnley’s organized defense.

The Gunners scored their opening goal from a corner—a remarkable eighth goal from set-pieces this season, setting a record for the most by any team in their first ten matches. Notably, Arsenal has netted twelve out of eighteen league goals from set-piece situations, leading the league in this aspect with the highest ratio observed in a single Premier League season.

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer remarked, “I can’t see a weakness,” acknowledging Arsenal’s effectiveness and the way they utilize players like Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber in advanced positions to create advantageous set-pieces.

A Solid Defence

In the realm of defensive strength, Arsenal has been formidable, having not conceded a goal since their match against Newcastle on September 28. During that match, they came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory. They have maintained a clean sheet for seven matches in a row in all competitions, a feat not achieved since a run in 1999.

On Tuesday, Arsenal will face Slavia Prague in the Champions League, and should they manage another clean sheet, it would mark just the second time in the club’s history that they have denied opponents for eight consecutive matches, the last occurrence being in 1903.

Despite being put under pressure, Arsenal’s defense has allowed only a single shot on target in their last four league matches, demonstrating remarkable control.

Physical Resilience

Historically, Arsenal teams faced challenges in physical encounters, often being out-muscled. However, this current squad has displayed resilience, capable of confronting physical play head-on. Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha noted the drastic change over the past few years, as Arsenal now adapts to both physical and technical demands of matches.

Squad Depth

Arsenal invested around £250 million in squad enhancements over the summer and are starting to see the dividends with improved depth. Even with long-term injuries to key players like Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, and with captain Martin Odegaard also sidelined, those brought in to fill gaps have contributed significantly, allowing the club to maintain momentum without rushing players back from injury.

Onuoha highlighted the advantages of their squad depth, stating, “If someone is missing, the next player steps up,” making them favorites in the title race.

Rival Teams Struggling

Head coach Mikel Arteta has pointed to timing as a crucial factor for Arsenal’s previous near misses in the Premier League. In May, he observed that Liverpool had clinched the title with fewer points than Arsenal had achieved in the prior two seasons.

Current circumstances seem favorable for Arsenal as they capitalize on their rivals’ struggles. Liverpool started strong this season, winning five matches in a row, but have since stumbled, losing four games before a recent victory against Aston Villa. Manchester City, on the other hand, has had a shaky start with a mix of wins, losses, and draws.

While Arsenal supporters are starting to feel optimistic, history suggests that being at the top at this stage does not guarantee a title win, as no team has achieved this in the past six seasons. However, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville expressed confidence, stating, “This is your title, Arsenal. This is the moment to reclaim it.”

Arsenal has the opportunity laid before them; now it is up to them to seize it.