We all know Arsenal’s story over the last decade. It is a damning indictment of Arsene Wenger as a manager. Despite being blessed with several transcendent attacking players, the Frenchman has repeatedly failed to compliment them with the necessary parts needed to win the league.
If it weren’t for his past success, Wenger would have definitely been fired for making the same mistakes over and over again. However, by some miracle, the stubborn Frenchman has now made a few necessary acquisitions, that have given Arsenal an edge they haven’t had for years.
Also read: 5 reasons why Chelsea are favourites to win the Premier League
As things stand, the Gunners are very much within striking distance of the title. Here are five reasons, why they are favourites to win the league.
#1 The Brilliance of Sanchez & Ozil
This duo is the latest in the lineage of transcendent attackers who’ve lined up for Arsenal. They have a combined total of 17 goals and 8 assists so far this season. This immense level of production by itself gives Arsenal more than a puncher’s chance of winning the League.
These two have already had moments, where they’ve decided tight games with individual moments of brilliance. These moments have been crucial in keeping Arsenal in the title race. Their most memorable performance, though, was in the 3-0 drubbing against Chelsea. Ozil, in particular, was in sublime touch that day. The German superstar pulled out his entire array of skills to embarrass both Matic and Kante, while the Arsenal fans chanted “OLE !”
#2 Toughness and Solidity at the back
Something that has confounded even the most seasoned of Football watchers, is the performance of Arsenal’s back four. The Gunners have had a notoriously leaky defence for over a decade, however, the signing of Shkodran Mustafi has turned this around.
The 24-year-old is a proven German International, with solid pedigree. He has slotted in beside Laurent Koscielny with ease. Mustafi’s mobility and tough tackling have provided Arsenal with more protection and toughness than they had previously.
Chelsea’s legendary keeper Petr Cech, who they signed during the summer of 2015 has also been great for them. He has made big saves and provided the back 4 with composure and leadership. These improvements, have had a positive effect throughout the team. They have allowed Arsenal to absorb pressure and eventually grind out victories in games which they would’ve lost in years gone by.
#3 Versatility in Midfield
One of the criticisms of the Arsenal teams that fell short of winning the title, was that they lacked a midfielder who could disrupt play and complement Santi Carzola, who controls games from the middle.
They have seemingly killed two birds with one stone, in this aspect with the signing of Granit Xhaka. The Swiss International is not only a great tackler, but he can also give Arsenal control and distribution whenever Carzola is absent.
Arsenal also have Coquelin, Elneny and Ramsey in their squad. This trio provides Wenger with alternatives to the Xhaka/Carzola tandem and they will also allow Wenger to adopt a horses for courses approach when he needs to.
#4 Theo Walcott’s newly acquired consistency
Ever since he burst onto the scene in 2008 with a hat-trick for England against Croatia, Theo Walcott has continuously flattered to deceive for both club and country. The England International has always struggled to find a rhythm and consistency and he has also been hamstrung by numerous injuries throughout his career.
However, with a new diet and fitness routine, Walcott has seemingly turned a corner. He has also displayed more maturity and composure in front of goal, scoring 6 goals in 13 games this season, which is more than his total in any of the last three seasons.
His pace and movement have given Arsenal more penetration and a direct element in addition to making them even more lethal on the counter attack. His production has also taken some pressure away from Sanchez and Ozil, which has allowed them to play with more freedom than before.
#5 Potential waiting to be unlocked
One of the truly fascinating things about this side is the fact that they haven’t come close to hitting their ceiling yet. They’ve won the vast majority of their games this season, playing in second gear, displaying the maturity and game management skills that they’ve lacked in the past.
However, on the occasions where they have played at a higher clip, they’ve demonstrated an ability to blow teams away. This should frighten their title contenders, because there will come a time this season, when Arsenal will put together a massive winning streak, which will give them more than 30 points.
