Can they go all the way?

Arsenal have emerged as this season’s favourites for the premier league title and the evidence is there for all to see. Prior to the draw to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, their start to the campaign has been nothing short of phenomenal. The loss to Liverpool was down to individual brilliance from Szoboszlai. Arteta seems to have found the right balance in strategy and the recruitment of talent has been equally impressive.

Acquiring the services of players like Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and especially Eberechi Eze have no doubt bolstered the squad. Yes, it is conceivable to fathom that this group of players can get Arsenal to the summit. The summer of 2026 is still a long way away and the title is certainly not guaranteed. However, given their past, particularly in this position and around the December and January run in of games, one can be forgiven for not buying into Arsenal’s credentials.

The Gunners have been notoriously cited as being bottle jobs and not being able to deliver for their supporters and fans when it truly matters (there’s only so many FA cups you can celebrate). However, the feeling, the aura, the expectation is different around the Emirates this season. There is a sense of something magical brewing in the atmosphere, you only have to analyse their statistics to see how close they are to achieving greatness.

Thus far, Arsenal have played 11 games, won 8, drew 2 and lost 1 with a total points tally of 26. They have conceded fewer goals in the league this term and have definitely shown a level of consistency, particularly in their defensive displays. On the attacking front, the goals have been shared across the team albeit and noticeably set pieces (chuckle, chuckle). With that being said, when the stakes are high, how the ball ends up in the back of the net is irrelevant (as long as it crosses the line).

Arsenal game after game, match after match, have proven that they can adapt a multitude of strategies to combat whatever an opponent throws at them. They can scrape a victory here and there, flamboyant with flair at times, resilient like no other and put in performances that gets the job done.

Arsenal for a brief moment would have been in dreamland judging by the performances of Liverpool (who were early favourites for the title) and some of the other title contenders. However, there is a team from the North West of England, who seem to have found their touch and are firing on all cylinders. A team that, when on song are a match for anybody. A team that is adept at coming from behind and finishing strongly (and no it’s Manchester United-they are not quite there yet). No, that team is Manchester City.

It is fair to conjecture that, if there was ever a team that could stop a parading Arsenal squad with the premier league trophy aloft a double decker bus slowing meandering through Islington, that team is Manchester City. Manchester City are now only 4 points behind the Gunners and they are very much on form. Haaland is having an amazing season and delivering the goods upfront. The midfield is solid as ever, Foden is back to nearing his best and Donnarumma is an absolute rock between the sticks in goal.

Make no mistake, the title is still Arsenal’s and Arteta’s to lose, but Manchester City and Guardiola will keep a watchful eye on the prize and will be fighting right to the very end. This race promises to be spectacular……May 2026 will reveal all.

The march to victory??!!!!!