This time a year ago, Liverpool defeated both Manchester City and Real Madrid within a few days of each other. The victory against City left the Reds nine points behind second-placed Arsenal, but 11 points behind champions City. These matches, and the strong November that followed, underlined Liverpool’s status as the best team in England (and at one point in Europe). That was proven when they won the league.
Arsenal beat Tottenham 4-1 today, leaving them six behind second-placed Chelsea, seven behind main challengers City and 11 behind current champions Liverpool. Much like the Reds a year ago, the Gunners’ dominant derby day victory just goes to show in bold that Arsenal are the best team in this league. They are one of the best teams in Europe.
Barring an unprecedented rash of injuries and the most extraordinary mass loss of heads, Arsenal will be crowned champions in May. In reality, it may be faster. Barring Richarlison’s incredible long-range goal, Arsenal completely defeated Spurs. This was a blow. Eberechi Eze was amazing.
But this was an Arsenal team without talismanic centre-back Gabriel Magalhães and captain Martin Odegaard. If conditions were right, both could have started. Are you on the list of absentees? Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Victor Gokeres. Noni Maduke and Gabriel Martinelli started on the bench having just returned from a knock.
Absenteeism was not important at Emirates. Yes, the Spurs offered little. However, Arsenal blew them away and played some great football. They could have scored six points.
Who are their challengers? Liverpool are far from competing for the title. City have lost four of their 12 games, showing that although they are an improvement on last season, they are by no means certain. Chelsea can still claim to be Arsenal’s main challenger, but they are not without their own problems. They don’t seem ready to win the league.
Even without Gabriel, Arsenal still have the best defense in the division, and probably the best in Europe. And after easily defeating a defensive-minded Spurs team, will they have a chance to prove themselves next? Bayern Munich at the Emirates in midweek.
Bayern are one of only three teams to win four out of four games in the Champions League. They scored three more goals, but also conceded three, while Arsenal haven’t leaked anything in Europe. A win would be another big statement from the Gunners.
Chelsea will be at Stamford Bridge next weekend. If they win, Arsenal will already have a trophy in their hands, just like Liverpool did a year ago. The chips are down on the North Londoners in terms of the lack of elite-level title rivals, but immense credit should go to Mikel Arteta and his staff. Because it’s easy to forget how many injuries they suffered this season.
And Arsenal have prepared very well for this over multiple campaigns. They can play clean football or they can beat you in a physical battle, like they did against Spurs. Do you want to put all your defenders on the pitch and play to score points? Well, they’ll probably score from set pieces. they are very good at it.
Arteta’s Arsenal have their detractors, but they are a serious football team. It’s hard to see what’s stopping them from convincing themselves of that with a spring league championship.
