Arsenal were disappointed to only draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening but still managed to finish the weekend in a stronger position than they started it
Mikel Arteta will never have a better chance of winning the title. And if Arsenal do not do it this year, you wonder whether Arteta would ever get Arsenal across the finishing line.
Arsenal finished Saturday night down in the dumps because they had dropped two points at Nottingham Forest and missed some big chances to win the game.
Yet when they stumble, their rivals fall over. Yes, Arsenal missed a chance to go nine points clear after Manchester City lost at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime.
But after Aston Villa lost at home to Everton, the title race took another twist on Sunday because rather than lose ground, Arsenal finished the weekend one point better off than they started it. Everything is going their way.
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Arsenal are seven points clear of City and Villa. That requires a three-game swing with 16 left. You can start doing the sums as to how many wins it will take.
After 22 games last season, Liverpool were seven clear of Arsenal in second place and Nottingham Forest in third. At the same stage last season, Liverpool had 51 points which is one more than Arsenal have now.
And, let’s face it, Liverpool romped home to the title and we never really felt at any time during that run-in that Arne Slot’s side were going to blow it.
Liverpool won 10 more games, had three draws and lost three games – and still ended up winning it by 10 points. They finished with 84 points.
You also have to take into account that it is pretty unlikely that City and Villa will not drop points either.
Arsenal simply cannot blow it from here. And, furthermore, they should take great stock and comfort from the fact they have been the best team by some distance this season.
Arteta has done a remarkable job in his six years in charge at the Emirates. To turn them from under-performing also-rans into title contenders has been incredible.
Yes, he’s spent a lot of money. But so does everyone. And, yes, there is pressure on him this season, but he knows that as well as anyone.
The fact is no-one can say Arsenal have got the best squad until they win it. You can say they have got the biggest but not the best until they deliver.
City are still dangerous because of Pep Guardiola and if there is one team and manager capable of putting together an incredible run then it is them.
City have bought well in January with Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi incoming. Great business. But they were battered in the Manchester derby.
Villa looked tired against Everton. We always knew they had a shallow squad but they lost to a depleted Everton side who outplayed them.
Even the defending champions Liverpool appear to be too far back. There was a smattering of boos at Anfield after they drew with Burnley on Saturday. Virgil van Dijk spoke afterwards about needing support and it has been a difficult season.
Arteta will be defined on what happens next. But it feels rather sad that the neutrals who were supporting them as unlikely contenders three years ago are waiting for him to fail. He has done a remarkable job no matter what happens now.
Other managers and coaches talk about Arsenal being the best coached team in the league. The only team who can stop Arsenal now is Arsenal themselves. If nerves or jitters kick in. And the Emirates has been jumpy because of expectation levels.
Arsenal have had some brilliant performers. Declan Rice has been as good as anyone. Bukayo Saka is so consistent. There has been flashes of Martin Odegaard back to his best form. Gabriel is so influential at the back. William Saliba so classy. David Raya has made great saves.
Martin Zubimendi is, in my opinion, the best signing of the season. Sorry, but Viktor Gyokeres is up there with some of the worst and yet Arsenal are still winning and scoring even though their new centre forward has been a lumbering disappointment.
Arteta reminded his players after the draw with Liverpool that they went into the festive period two points clear – and finished it six clear. They went into the weekend six clear and finished it seven ahead.
Even when Arsenal slip and fail to pull away, the rest have not been good enough or consistent enough to close the gap. They are still in four competitions and top of the Champions League table. It has been incredible.
By the way, this would be Arsenal’s first title in 22 years. That is the longest they have gone without winning it since post-war. This is a big club which has always demanded – and delivered – the biggest trophies.
It really is now or never for Arsenal and Arteta. And they have to win it from here.
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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