With Manchester City stumbling and Liverpool faltering, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have built a near-impenetrable defense and ruthless set-piece edge — making their Premier League title bid look less like a chase and more like destiny
Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace didn’t just take them to the top of the Premier League table — it may have cemented their status as the team to beat this season. With Manchester City faltering, Liverpool losing four straight, and Chelsea struggling to find rhythm, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are emerging as the league’s most complete side — and perhaps the most inevitable champions in years.
Arsenal Lead the Pack — and the Logic
After nine games, Arsenal hold a four-point lead over Bournemouth, and even more importantly, they’re six clear of City and seven clear of Liverpool — the two pre-season title favourites. Unless one of the surprise early contenders like Bournemouth, Spurs, or Sunderland sustains a miracle run, the numbers, form, and structure all point one way: Arsenal.
Statistically, too, the Gunners dominate. Based on adjusted goal differential — a mix of expected and actual goals that predicts future performance — Arsenal are comfortably the best team in England. One major analytics model now gives them a 79% chance of winning the league.
Injuries, No Problem
What’s striking is how Arsenal have done this despite a string of injuries. Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Noni Madueke have all missed significant time. Their new striker Viktor Gyökeres has only two goals. And yet, the team’s balance and discipline haven’t slipped — proof of Arteta’s tactical depth and squad resilience.
Defense of Dreams
Defensively, Arsenal are operating at a level the Premier League has never seen. They’ve conceded just three goals in nine matches and are allowing an adjusted goal rate of 0.51 per game — better than even peak Guardiola or Mourinho sides.
William Saliba and Gabriel form the best centre-back pairing in world football right now, supported by full-backs Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, who defend like centre-halves. Behind them, David Raya’s quick reactions allow Arsenal to play with an aggressive high line.
In midfield, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi have created a wall of intelligence and muscle, while even Arsenal’s attackers press relentlessly — making them nearly impossible to play through.
Set-Piece Kings
Arsenal have scored nine set-piece goals already — a league high — and they’re proving just as lethal from corners and free kicks as they are organized in defense. While their open-play goals have been fewer, their consistency from dead-ball situations has given them a vital edge in tight games.
Can They Be Stopped?
If the Gunners’ defensive and set-piece dominance even slightly dips, and their open-play attack doesn’t improve, City or Liverpool could still make a late surge. But if Arsenal’s injury-hit attack finds rhythm — with Ødegaard, Saka, and Havertz returning — their balance could reach unstoppable levels.
The most probable outcome? Arsenal’s defense remains elite, their attack steadies, and they stay atop the table all the way to May.
In short: unless football’s gods intervene, Arsenal aren’t just contenders — they’re already playing like champions.
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