Why Arsenal are now genuine title competitors
Arsenal has led the Premier League pack since the season got underway in early August having only slipped up to Manchester United so far.
Defeat to the Red Devils left questions of whether Arsenal could hold their own against ‘big six’ opposition but wins against Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby and at home to Liverpool in recent weeks have quickly changed the narrative.
Outright Odds: The Bookies Speak
Arsenal is now offered at outright odds of +750 in Paddy Power’s Premier League betting to win the Premier League title and is certainly favored to at least be Manchester City’s closest contender. Pep Guardiola’s City is currently priced as the – 500 favorite to win the league, according to the Premier League predictions; the reigning champions are still widely expected to retain their title and continue their domestic dominance in England.
This season, Arsenal has looked like a much-improved team but not just in terms of quality. The team’s mentality appears to now be much stronger likely helped by the Gabriel Jesus signing and Oleksandr Zinchenko also joining from Manchester City.
What it means 👇 pic.twitter.com/n5KafvRO0u
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 9, 2022
Up-and-comers
Mikel Arteta’s side is one of the league’s youngest teams, but the experience within the squad is vital. Granit Xhaka has started the season in exceptional form and has had an impact on the rest of the squad as he leads by example in the middle of the park and brings much-needed composure, which helps the Gunners to navigate high-pressure moments. Jesus’ adaptation period was almost non-existent as the Brazilian settled into life in the Emirates with no trouble and has helped spearhead his new side’s title challenge.
The former Manchester City star has never managed to score more than 15 Premier League goals in a single season but this year could change that as he has found the net five times in just nine games so far. However, Jesus provides much more to the team than goalscoring; he can drop deep and link the play; he is an excellent dribbler when in possession and can create chances for teammates.
Even when not scoring, the Brazilian is the focal point of Arsenal’s play. Most importantly, he creates space for the wingers to operate as inside forwards.
WE ARE THE ARSENAL. pic.twitter.com/S8RTX1ybIn
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 9, 2022
Clash of The Titans
Arsenal still awaits their biggest test of all in the form of Manchester City, who is perhaps the most dangerous team in all of Europe. Arteta and Guardiola know each other really well and perhaps could exploit either team’s weaknesses as they deploy extremely similar systems in terms of shape and style.
Guardiola has the experience of managing at the top level in a variety of different leagues and at a variety of stages; but could Arteta come back to bite his mentor?
The tie was initially postponed to make way for Arsenal’s PSV Eindhoven clash in the Europa League and may not take place until the new year. This may favor the Gunners as they can continue to build momentum before facing the mammoth task of attempting to beat Guardiola’s City.