Arsenal have had the ultimate Jekyll and Hyde start to the 2021-22 season, with their first three games ending in defeat and Mikel Arteta seemingly fighting for his future. But after 20 points in eight matches since, it's a completely different outlook as they head into the international break...
POSITION: 5th
TOP SCORER: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (7)
BETFRED ODDS: 3/1 to finish in the top four
LAST THREE RESULTS:
Won 1-0 v Watford (h)
Won 2-0 v Leicester (a)
Won 3-1 v Aston Villa (h)
VERDICT:
They may have started the season very poorly, but the Gunners have found their mojo since then. Arteta has done a great job of ensuring his experienced options are supplemented by youthful talent, with Emile Smith Rowe making a name for himself in the number 10 shirt and currently on the brink of the England squad thanks to his marvellous form. Ben White may have had a shaky start to life at the Emirates Stadium, but he is starting to form a strong partnership with Gabriel in defence. As a whole, the team looks united and committed to the manager, with their recent form excellent.
FANS’ VERDICT:
Stevie Trenoweth – Gooner Views
“It has been a massive turnaround in terms of performances and results, and I don’t think hardly any of us Arsenal fans would have believed we would go on this unbeaten streak considering the way we started.
“The highest points of our season so far have been the recruitment of the players in the summer, who are all doing very well, and also the rise of Emile Smith Rowe, who’s now starting to get goals, which he was previously lacking.
“The lowest point so far for us this season has been that we hadn’t started off the greatest, and losing the first three games may cost us when it comes to getting in the top four at the end of the season."
MANAGER VERDICT:
Arteta was always going to take a bit of time to come to terms with such a big job in his first managerial role, but he looks to be coming into his own this term. His side’s incredible upturn in form has featured some outstanding performances, and he seems to have rallied his players, who are now unified in the dressing room and playing with confidence.
FANS’ VERDICT ON MANAGER:
Stevie Trenoweth – Gooner Views
“Arteta is winning a lot of us fans back onto his side and we can see what he’s trying to build by playing a younger side for the future, but if it was to go downhill from here onwards I think our next manager has to be someone who’s got more experience and a solid CV in terms of titles.”
MID-TERM GRADE:
B – A much better start than many would have expected considering they were bottom of the table after three matches.
