Is This Going to be Arsenal’s Year?

We are already deep into the heart of the 2023/2024 season in the English Premier League, and a pressing question resonates in the minds of every Arsenal fan – is this going to be the year when the “Gunners” end their 20-year title drought?

Arsenal’s last triumph was in the distant 2003/2004 season, aptly named “The Invincibles,” where the team led by Patrick Vieira embarked on an unbeaten run, clinching the League title. To this day, no other team in England can boast a similar achievement. Perhaps Liverpool came closest in the 2018/2019 season, finishing with just one loss but still ending up second, one point behind Manchester City.

Fast-forwarding two decades, Arsenal currently finds itself in fourth place, trailing the league leaders (once again, Liverpool) by only five points. The question is clear – can the “Gunners” reclaim their former glory? Let’s dissect the current state of the team from the Emirates!

NIGHTMARES FROM THE PAST SEASON STILL LINGER AT THE EMIRATES

A year ago, Arsenal displayed remarkable dominance, leading the Premier League for almost the entire season. However, as often happens, Manchester City made a significant leap and managed to overtake the Londoners, securing the title with a five-point lead. So, is Arsenal ready for a different outcome this season? If you believe the “Gunners” have the strength to go all the way and triumph in May, you can make your predictions. At the time of writing this article, the odds at bet365 for Arsenal to win the title are 8.50!

Summer additions to Arsenal, including Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and David Raya, injected vitality into the team. These players not only lived up to expectations but also significantly contributed to Arsenal’s victories. Undoubtedly, the standout player remains Bukayo Saka, who scored six crucial goals and provided 7 assists. With an impressive average of 1.85 goals per match, Arsenal’s attacking prowess is undeniable. Despite a few disappointing results, the Londoners have shown stable defensive play against top teams, especially evident in their 1-0 victory over Manchester City.

Nevertheless, the path to the top is paved with numerous challenges. Arsenal’s four losses this season, particularly against seemingly less formidable opponents like Newcastle United, Fulham, Aston Villa, and West Ham United, have shaken the team’s confidence. To rekindle their title hopes, the “Gunners” must navigate matches against Top 10 teams while avoiding further missteps against supposedly weaker opponents. The results against direct rivals Liverpool and Manchester City had different outcomes – a draw and a victory, respectively.

Stars like Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have shone brightly, making significant contributions on the field. However, a worrisome trend emerged as three of Arsenal’s last four losses came in the last five matches, a matter that manager Mikel Arteta must seriously address.

Arsenal played its last match on January 7, losing to Liverpool at home 0-2 and exiting the FA Cup. Thus, Arteta had two weeks to change the team’s mindset and guide them towards the crucial battles ahead in the second half of the season. The first such battle is the London derby against Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Saturday, January 20.

IS LIVERPOOL THE MAIN THREAT TO ARSENAL’S TITLE HOPES?

Arsenal hosts Liverpool on February 5, and it seems to be a key moment in the title race. In a league where Manchester City has made dominance seem routine, the Londoners face a tough battle. Nevertheless, in the unpredictable Premier League, the “Gunners” have the opportunity to stake their claim to the throne of English football once again.

While we speculate about Arsenal’s fate, presenting both the positives and negatives, the idea of a first title for the “Gunners” in two decades is an attractive narrative. In this rollercoaster of emotions, only time will tell whether Arsenal can script a triumphant ending to its enduring journey to the top in England.