Back in 2003/2004, the Arsenal team were labeled ‘the invincibles’ because of their ability to win almost every game, 26 out of 38 going on to win the league without losing a single game.
This season, the team has been transformed under the guidance of Mike Arteta and are having their best campaign in over 20 years.
If Arsenal are to continue their fine form and win the Premier League title, for the first time since 2004, fans may look back and view the last-minute winner against Manchester United as the start of the belief.
Manager’s Belief in the Team
Mikel Arteta has played down the chances of his team winning the league and only recently acknowledged they are in good contention. When asked if they can maintain their form he had this to say “We haven’t done it in the last many years. To be in the title race, it’s something that we have to show we can do. Words mean nothing, we have to do it on the pitch. I feel the excitement around our players and our supporters.”
The former player and current manager refers to the matches at the Emirates Stadium in which the atmosphere has been incredible and Arsenal tickets being in extremely high demand with fans from around London and the world seeing the team in action. Every game at the stadium is a complete sell-out and tickets selling for a premium.
The path to winning the league is very much in their own hands and should they maintain the same form in the second-half of the season, they will be crowned champions in May. However, there are other teams that are in contention to derail the plans of Arsenal.
The Other Teams in the Race
The race for the Premier League title is on, the other teams in contention for the league are Manchester City and Manchester United. For many media experts and TV pundits, Pep Guardiola’s Man City are the biggest threat to Mikel Arteta’s team and will challenge them all the way.
With the result at the weekend, Manchester United are probably too far behind to mount a serious push but with some good results in the upcoming fixtures, they could well be back in the mix.
Key Fixtures For Arsenal
Here are a few of Arsenal’s vital English Premier League fixtures between now and the end of the campaign. As reported by ESPN, tougher tests are still to come, The two games against Manchester City, home and away, will be decisive in the race.
Arsenal vs Man City (16th February, home)
Liverpool vs Arsenal (8th April, away)
Man City vs Arsenal (27th April, away)
Arsenal vs Chelsea (29th April, home)
Newcastle Utd vs Arsenal (6th May, away)
The Squad
The Arsenal team have missed some key players since the world cup, especially Gabriel Jesus , their first-choice striker, however the replacement with Eddie Nketiah has made his absence unnoticeable, scoring seven goals in seven games.
The real test for the team will be when fixtures become more frequent, Arsenal are still competing in the FA Cup and UEFA Europa League and will have to rotate their squad. The team have completed the signing of Polish Defender Jakub Kiwior in a deal worth over £20 million.
Our Final Verdict
The Gunners have a genuine chance to win the English Premier League this season if they play to their full potential and continue their current form. With over half of the season left to play, it really is all to play for. There is a reason the Premier League title race is considered the most exciting in world football, this season promises to live up to all expectations.
How do you think the Premier League season will finish? Can Arsenal hold-off the challenge from Manchester City and co to be crowned champions.