Can Mikel Arteta’s Gunners do the Impossible?

Last year could’ve been the year for Gunners across the globe. But, unfortunately, Mikel Arteta’s men faltered near the end of the season and allowed Manchester City to overcome them and ultimately win the title right in front of their nose. But, as things stand right now, Arsenal is back at the top of the Premier League following City’s draws against Liverpool and Chelsea. Yes, there’s just one point separating the two, and the likes of Liverpool and Aston Villa are right around the corner too.

Mikel Arteta: “96-100 [points], I think you win the league, that’s the cushion.”

Reporter: “Last year you said it was 90 when I asked you!”

Mikel Arteta: “I say a number & you don’t like the number! Do you want me to change the number?” 🤣

🎥 @HaytersTV pic.twitter.com/OANpEDeUup

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) December 5, 2023

If nothing, this season’s title race could be quite interesting. It has all the makings of final day screamers… especially if it comes down to Arsenal who are known for bottling it hard in the final months. Realistically speaking, can Arsenal win the Premier League this season? Or, better yet, do Arteta’s men stand a chance at winning their first-ever Champions League? Let’s discuss.

Arsenal’s Premier League Season So Far

As mentioned earlier, Arsenal is currently leading the Premier league with 30 points in 13 matches. They’re on top despite losing to Newcastle in early November and it’s all thanks to City’s consecutive draws.

Mikel Arteta: “96-100 [points], I think you win the league, that’s the cushion.”

Reporter: “Last year you said it was 90 when I asked you!”

Mikel Arteta: “I say a number & you don’t like the number! Do you want me to change the number?”

@HaytersTV pic.twitter.com/OANpEDeUup

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) December 5, 2023

At the moment, Arsenal’s defense is best in the league with just ten conceded points. Granted, that’s just one fewer goal than Liverpool and three fewer than Manchester City. But, it goes to show you Arteta has finally cemented his backline. Critics will say he’s done that last season too, yet the defensive efforts collapsed in April. That’s true, but this year the Spanish strategist has more depth. Not only does he have more options for the back four, but he has Declan Rice and Thomas Partey as world-class central anchors.

Partey is currently out on muscle injury, though. Emile Smith Rowe’s knee still prevents him from joining the team. But, once these two players are back into the mix, Arsenal should have an even bigger oomph in the depth department. The main difference between winning the Premier League and winning the Champions League lies in consistency. Last season, Arsenal was the most consistent team for quite a while, only to crumble under pressure late in the season. Despite that, I reckon the Gunners are likelier to win the EPL than the CL. There, I’ve said it! 

Gunners are Making Waves in the Champions League

Arsenal to win the Premier League is one of the hottest futures on online gambling sites these days. But, Arsenal to win the Champions League isn’t far behind either… especially following the impressive 6:0 win against Lens. Another clean sheet, another three points – business as usual for the Gunners. They’re now officially through to the playoffs. However, the tournament format isn’t their biggest virtue, and Arteta knows it. He’s not going to calculate, mind you, but he’s definitely going to be mindful of fatigue and could try and finish “easier” rounds in the first leg. Once the big boys start rounding up, though, I believe Arteta will have to choose which title to pursuit. Even though he has more depth than last season, it’s still not even close to the likes of Manchester City.  

Arsenal Needs to Improve in the Last Third of the Season

Remember last season? Arsenal was on target to finally win the Premier League… only to bottle it all near the end. They just failed to assert dominance in the last few months of the campaign. They struggled with consistency and even had trouble against much weaker sides. This time around, Arteta will have last season’s experience work in his favor. It won’t be easy, but thanks to in-form players like Martin Odegaard and the entire back four, I am confident in their ability to win something this season. Let’s go Gunners!