At fourteen matches into the 2025/26 Premier League season no other team has impressed quite as much as Arsenal. With only a single loss registered (all the way back in August, against the champions Liverpool) there’s valid question as to whether or not this is their title to lose.
Within the last three Premier League seasons Arsenal have placed runners-up. Falling behind eventual champions Manchester City (twice) and Liverpool. It’s been eight seasons for Arteta, and many Arsenal fans have had to remain patient with a manger who is yet to bring them “true” silverware success beyond his FA Cup (2020) and his two Community Shields. (2020,2023)
Since his hiring in December of 2019 Arteta over the course of many years has created a squad that is full of physicality and depth. Arsenal can be a dynamic team and the increase at which they have become deadly at set pieces has been a major advantage for the Gunners. What I see as critical to Arsenal’s success this season so far is their depth. Each position has two to three quality backups that can do a job and provide a boost or back up to key starters.
In the infancy of the Arteta era it was ruddled with liabilities and players who were too inconsistant or could easily be bullied on the pitch. Aresenal have transformed themselves into a robust side with a strong spine and key attacking players that can break down the most stubborn of defenses.
Beyond their squad depth that has rivaled recent City sides Arsenal have finally captured the key ingredient that could bring the title back to the red half of London and end their twenty-one-year drought: a proven number nine.
The verdict is still yet to be determined on summer sinning Viktor Gyokeres, but there is certainly much to be excited about especially once he is back fit and can reach a better level of understanding with his teammates. Right into the prime of his career and coming off a very successful stint with Sporting there are many Gunners who see him being the last piece that can guide them to the title. Much of Arsenal’s failures last season we’re down to an inadequate choice at center forward. As Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz weren’t recognized strikers who often played as a false nine.
As we are now in the midway point of the season all questions will be on if Arsenal can maintain their form as inconstant challengers are by. Throughout the past few seasons there have been capitulations from Arsenal, and many are wondering if the ghost that have haunted them have been overcome. With a robust squad, strength in every position, and a manger that truly now has the experience–can Arsenal finally bask in glory? or will history be doomed to repeat itself?
