Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Fulham on Sunday moved them to within six points of early Premier League pace-setters Liverpool without any cause for celebration.
“Gutted” was the one-word reaction from frustrated Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. ‘Sign a striker, win the title or go’ were among the more reactionary responses in the comments section of our YouTube posting of his post-match press conference.
Yes, it was an underwhelming result against a side Arsenal were expected to beat despite dropping five points against Marco Silva’s side last season, but is it really the end of their title hopes? Of course it is not and here are six sensible reasons why Arsenal fans should not be too miserable just yet.
1. They are stronger than last season
Manchester City pipped Arsenal to the title by just two points last season, but Arteta’s men are better equipped for the long haul this time. Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino are sound summer signings, still on their way to showing their best for the club. Add in fit again Jurrien Timber and that is almost a third new signing. Surely on loan Raheem Sterling has to get a goal or three somewhere along the line. The emergence of teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri could be crucial come the latter stages of the season too. There is much more strength in depth.
2. Look at the table
The season is still young and leaders Liverpool are far from out of sight and yet to suffer an inevitable dip in results. Arsenal have a history of coming back from bigger deficits than this and have a good run of fixtures ahead of them going into the New Year. There is no reason why they should not take maximum points and remain unbeaten for the foreseeable future.
3. Tough cookies
This Arsenal side never gives up and are very hard to beat. They were by far the better side against Fulham and although they did not create many clear cut chances they had enough good ones to win the match. Play that match again ten times and Arsenal will win nine of them.
4. Super supporters
Some might have it on for Arteta but the travelling fans and support they receive at Emirates Stadium is resolute. It is hard to see them dropping many, if any, more points at home this season.
5. Super Saka
The return to fitness of captain Martin Odegaard has brought out the best in every Arsenal player – especially Bukayo Saka. The England winger has been unplayable at times in recent matches. The opposition know what he is going to do, but rarely can they stop him. Expect Saka to break the Premier League record of 20 assists in a season. He is halfway there already.
6. Set pieces
Again, we all know what Arsenal are going to do, but they are so good at what they do that they are unstoppable. Sunday’s William Saliba goal was their 23rd from a corner since the start of last season. If Thomas Partey could head a ball it would have been 24 and three points. Yes, Arsenal have trouble breaking through low blocks at the moment, but their set piece weapons should see them through that issue.
