Whether or not Arsenal can win the Premier League this season, their performance is commendable. After such a great result for the Gunners, it is only a matter of time before they reach the pinnacle of football in the Premier League, perhaps next season.
There were fears that Arsenal would fall into a slump if they lost to Manchester City again in the race for the Premier League title. At the moment, Mikel Arteta's side lead the table, but their fate is not entirely in their own hands.
If City win all the remaining games, they will be champions, not Arsenal. However, there is good reason to believe that this is only the beginning of Arsenal's return to glory. Regardless of the outcome of the season, they will not be deterred.
Solid foundation
Last season, Arsenal were eight points ahead of Manchester City in the Premier League table, but were never able to surpass their opponents in terms of underlying statistics. Even before William Saliba was reimbursed for the season due to injury, Arsenal's expected goals conceded began to increase alarmingly.
However, this season, Arsenal will almost certainly finish the season with the highest goal difference in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta's side are currently the club with the most goals scored (+57) and the fewest goals conceded (28). There are still many unknowns for the new season, but the style of football that Arsenal have shown seems to be very sustainable.
The team and the coach at their peak
Arsenal are not the youngest club in the league, but the average age of their starting line-up this season is 25 years and 135 days. Burnley and Chelsea are two rare clubs with an average age younger than Arsenal.
The Gunners have a core of players such as David Raya, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and others who have entered or are in their prime. With the futures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey uncertain, Arsenal could add another talented player to the squad in the summer of 2024.
In the dugout, manager Mikel Arteta is increasingly showing his talent. Not only is he an excellent leader, but he is also very skillful in his top-down management style, which can win the support of his superiors and the fans. All of this is helping Arsenal to have a solid future, so it may only be a matter of time before it succeeds.
Courage and endurance increase
This season, Arsenal are unbeaten against the traditional 'Big Six' teams. They have eight points after four games against two title rivals, Manchester City and Liverpool. Arsenal avoided defeat at the Etihad Stadium for the first time since 2016 and kept a clean sheet in both games against Manchester City. In addition, Arsenal have also picked up points on Liverpool's last two visits to Anfield.
Arsenal's achievements don't stop there. They recently claimed their second consecutive win away at Tottenham Hotspur in a north London derby, their first milestone since manager George Graham took charge in 1988. Arsenal are now looking more resilient, tenacious and brave in key matches.
In April 2022, Arsenal lost three games in a row to Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton, resulting in a narrow defeat in the semi-final race. However, this season Arsenal have shown greater resilience after a setback. After losing to Bayern and Aston Villa, Arsenal were expected to continue to slump, but they stubbornly rose to their feet.
Arsenal have won five of their six Premier League games in April, including tough away games against Brighton, Wolves and Tottenham. The Gunners are desperate to win their remaining three games against Bournemouth, Manchester United and Everton. If they can achieve that, Arsenal will have won 16 of their last 18 Premier League games, proving their ability to hold out until the end. It's not going to be easy to beat Arsenal right now.
The instability of competitors
Liverpool will part ways with Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season and Arne Slote could take over. Manchester United could appoint a new manager to replace Erik ten Hag. Tottenham Hotspur have improved under Ange Postecoglou, but their true quality has not yet been fully recognized. Chelsea could be in trouble because of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. In the end, perhaps only Manchester City will be able to compete with Arsenal for the title once again, and the Gunners' chance will come again.