29 games.72 points and 9 games from immortality. The Arsenal juggernaut rolls into Liverpool on Sunday, and among The Gunners faithful, there’s no reason to believe Mikel Arteta’s men can’t win at Anfield. They square up against Jurgen Klopp’s men, hoping to stretch their lead at the top of the table and gradually inch towards a first league title in close to 2 decades. The Gunners easily dispatched Leeds last week despite a spirited performance from their opponents, with Gabriel Jesus particularly impressive.
Here are 4 reasons why The Gunners will win the Premier League this season.
Mikel Arteta
41-year-old tactician Mikel Arteta is on course to become the youngest manager to win the Premier League, eclipsing the long-standing record set by Jose Mourinho, who achieved the feat as a 42-year-old back in 2005. Arteta, who was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, has shown nous and tactical acumen that belies his years of experience working as a manager.
He has already won Manager of the Month four times this season and looks nailed-on to be named Manager of the Season. Arteta can be seen barking instructions from the sidelines, keeping his boys level-headed and displaying tactical dexterity that has seen them rack 23 wins from a possible 29. The players play for him and seek to soak every instruction he demands from them.
Manchester City is Distracted
There is every indication that Manchester City is supremely focused on winning the Champions League this season, having come so close to lifting the trophy in the last 2 years. The Citizens lost in the final against Chelsea in 2021, while they collapsed spectacularly against eventual winners, Real Madrid, last year.
Pep Guardiola has added goalscoring sensation Erling Haaland to his ranks, and the Norwegian has duly delivered, scoring 42 goals in 37 games, including 10 in the Champions League. The city still has to navigate playing in Europe and the FA Cup, while Arsenal only has the league to focus on.
Hunger From The Players
There is a certain maturity evident amongst the Arsenal players this season, as the standards of each player have spectacularly risen. The arrivals of William Saliva, Zinchenko, and Gabriel Jesus have elevated Arsenal’s first XI, as these players have slotted immediately into Arteta’s plans.
The defense stick to the basics, and the midfield is a master of nicking the ball and launching lightning counter-attack situations with first-time passes while in the attack; Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have shown a consistency that puts their contemporaries to shame. The additions of Leandro Trossard and Jorginho in the winter transfer window have been shrewd, as both players have added experience to the dressing room, as well as proven Premier League quality.
The Arsenal Fans
When Thierry Henry and the rest of the Invincibles lifted the Premier League trophy in 2004, it was supposed to herald the start of another long-term dominance of the English game, but Jose Mourinho came along and put an end to those lofty dreams while Arsenal had to grapple with reduced finances because of the move to the Emirates Stadium.
It’s been 19 years since Arsenal fans last saw their team lift the league title, and it’s a sight to see the Emirates rally around its players, despite nervous moments. With just 9 games to the end of the season, there’s a growing belief that this could be their year, with the team turning doubters into believers. Manchester City will continue to ask a lot of questions, but Arsenal has shown that they are up to the task. He might still be labeled as Pep’s former assistant, but Arteta has come to his own at Arsenal. For the neutrals, it’s good to see that Manchester City can be stopped.
The Odds
Arsenal is in with a great shout, according to the bookies, and for more fun, visit here to get bonus offers. For those in North London, try jackpot jill for special match bonus offers.
