Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes were dashed last season under the pressure of Manchester City’s relentless pursuit. With just seven games remaining this year, the Gunners find themselves in a similar position at the summit of the table. However, the question remains: have they learned from their past mistakes and emerged as a genuine title contender?
One key difference this season is Arsenal’s improved goal-scoring prowess. Last year, they struggled to find the back of the net consistently, but this season they have scored a league-high 66 goals. This improvement is largely due to the contributions of Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka, who have combined for 30 goals.
Defensively, Arsenal has also been impressive, conceding just 24 goals, the lowest in the league. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have formed a formidable partnership at the heart of the defense, providing stability and composure.
Another factor working in Arsenal’s favor is the current struggles of Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side has been uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal, with Erling Haaland failing to live up to expectations. This has given Arsenal a slight edge in the title race.
However, Arsenal’s remaining fixtures are significantly more challenging than those of Liverpool or Manchester City. They face Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur in their final seven games, while their rivals have relatively easier schedules.
Mikel Arteta has also made some tactical adjustments this season. He has adopted a more pragmatic approach, focusing on solidity and counter-attacking rather than the high-pressing style he employed last year. This change has paid dividends, as Arsenal has become more resilient and difficult to break down.
Arteta has also shown a willingness to rest key players, something he was reluctant to do last season. This has helped keep his squad fresh and injury-free, giving them an advantage over their rivals.
Despite these improvements, Arsenal’s title hopes will ultimately depend on their ability to handle the pressure in the final stretch of the season. Arteta has learned from his mistakes last year and has instilled a greater sense of belief and resilience in his team. However, whether they have the mental fortitude to withstand the challenges that lie ahead remains to be seen.
