Ahead of the unprecedented midseason World Cup break, Arsenal find themselves the surprise challengers to Manchester City’s title.
Everybody expected Arsenal to be better this season, but not this much better. It’s a team truly finding itself.
Additionally, some instability at rival clubs has allowed them to take advantage and top the league by two points.
City make this conversation absurd in that it’s hard to genuinely believe Arsenal could usurp them.
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However, it looks as if the club’s hierarchy has started to believe it. According to reports this week, the Kroenkes are set to back Mikel Arteta with further signings in January.
If that’s true, it could be huge. What makes their start to the season so impressive is that they’ve done it with an incomplete squad.
Following the signings of Jesus, Zinchenko and Viera, the Gunners spent the remaining summer weeks pursuing a winger. Then a surprise injury to Mohamed Elneny spurred a failed deadline-day chase for central midfielder Douglas Luiz.
Arsenal need another competent midfielder because Thomas Partey can’t stay fit. They also need a winger in spite of Mikel Arteta’s insistence that if Saka and Martinelli want to be the best players in the world, they have to play 60-70 games. At the very least, they could do with some support and competition in that area of the pitch.
The thinness of Arsenal’s squad has left the fans dreading that injury or two that could derail their season. However, with the midseason break just two weeks away, they might be okay.
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They’ll need some luck, but they could reach the World Cup break with their fitness and position intact. A break to reevaluate and the chance to sign reinforcements could ignite their title challenge in earnest.
Last season, they challenged for fourth somewhat ahead of schedule. This season, they’re one of the two best teams in the league ahead of schedule. Every iteration of a team has a window for success, particularly in the era of 90+ points in the league.
They didn’t expect it, but what if Arsenal’s opportunity is now?
