As Arsenal take to the stage again this afternoon, the Emirates crowd will be in for a treat. The Gunners have been nothing short of sensational this term and their incredible form sees them sitting top of the tree with just eleven games to play.
Win against Crystal Palace and their lead over Manchester City will extend to eight points with ten to go - and as we enter the crunch part of the season, the pressure will begin to mount on Mikel Arteta’s side. But the Spaniard has so far kept a lid on things even when it has threatened to spill over.
The defeat against City at the Etihad was damaging but with late winners against both Aston Villa and Bournemouth, his side have maintained top spot. For many, those injury time successes were far too emotional and Arsenal must calm down if they are to get past the finishing post first, but getting the points is the most important thing - and they’ve managed to do that so far.
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The win last weekend over Fulham was far calmer, and Arteta will be desperate for another straightforward display here before the Gunners head into the international break. With City coming through their Champions League and FA Cup tests, it means more fixtures for Pep Guardiola to deal with, while Arsenal just have to maintain their focus on the main prize.
But for all the stress, trials and tribulations the final 11 matches will bring - and trust me there will be plenty - it is important to remember one thing. Arsenal have been utterly joyous so far this season. They’ve been by far the best team to watch in the Premier League and with Gabriel Jesus returning to fitness and Leandro Trossard settling in nicely, it could get even better.
Against Fulham, they teased and tormented the home side until they were forced to submit. It was a display of powerful control that never gave the Cottagers a chance. Troassard bagged a hat-trick of assists while even if Bukayo Saka was slightly off the pace, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli were on hand to take starring roles. That’s the beauty of this Arsenal team. If one of them doesn’t get you - the other one will. If the front four aren’t quite functioning, somebody can come off the bench and cause you problems.
Their fast paced, attractive and flowing football has been a revelation so far and 27 games in, teams haven’t worked out a way to stop them. The progression of this Arsenal team has been much discussed this season but the way they have maintained their youthful exuberance has perhaps been overlooked. It’s fairly easy to do it over the first few games, but to last through a World Cup and into March is seriously impressive.
The only question now is whether youth will be able to handle the pressure as we move into the last ten games. When every point matters, will it all become too much? Obviously, it is hugely important whether Arsenal win the Premier League or not, but Gooners should be utterly ecstatic with what Arteta has turned their team into.
A free-flowing enthralling team to watch. You simply can’t take your eyes off them and whether they end up winning the Premier League title or not, that is worthy of copious amounts of praise. Arteta has made everybody fall in love with watching Arsenal again.
