Arsenal’s season is gaining some momentum. The Gunners’ solid result left them three points clear at the top of the table and seen as favorites for the Premier League title. Their good form has spread to Europe, with an overwhelming 4-0 victory against Atletico Madrid in midweek, making a perfect start to the Champions League, and keeping them tied at the top of the group. This was particularly encouraging given that Mikel Arteta’s side have yet to produce a truly exceptional performance this season.
But where they stand out is on defense. They have conceded just three goals in eight league games and are currently on track to surpass Chelsea’s impressive record of conceding just 15 goals in 2004-05. It’s a similar situation in Europe, where they haven’t conceded a single goal after three games, a clear reflection of the structure and discipline Arteta has brought to the team. But it’s not all plain sailing for the North London company. As Sunday’s home game against Crystal Palace approaches, Express Football takes a look at the latest developments at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta shouted
Former Arsenal midfielder Alberto Sambi Lokonga’s brother has accused Arteta of abusing his brother. Lokonga, 25, left Arsenal permanently this summer after four years and joined Hamburg in Germany for a fee of £250,000.
Lokonga joined from Anderlecht in 2021 and early signs suggested a bright future. The Belgium international made 24 appearances on his debut but was quickly dropped from Arteta’s plans and was loaned out to Crystal Palace, Luton Town and Sevilla.
Lokonga’s younger brother, Paul-José Mpoku, also a professional footballer, claims Albert was not given a fair chance, especially after performing well on loan. “If you look at his performances at Luton Town, Crystal Palace and even Sevilla, he plays like a boss,” M’Poku, 33, told Voo Sport.
“It’s just that he’s scoring fewer goals. Here in Hamburg, he’s scored two goals. But his performances haven’t necessarily changed from when he was at Arsenal. If you look at his early days at Arsenal, he had some great games. He’s playing in big games.”
“But at some point, Mikel Arteta…that’s where I get mad at certain coaches. He wasn’t 100 per cent fair to him. Otherwise, if you look at his performances everywhere he’s been, he’s been successful. But when he scores, it gets even more noisy.”
Like his brother, M’Poku spent time in north London, but on the other side of the divide. He joined Tottenham at the age of 16, but like Lokonga, he never managed to establish himself properly. He failed to break into the first team and moved on to the next team before making a senior appearance.
M’Poku currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Batin after a journeyman career that took him to Belgium, Italy, Greece, Turkey, UAE, South Korea and Romania. He has also represented the Democratic Republic of Congo on 22 occasions at international level.
Harland’s Obstacle
Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal will win the Premier League this season, but only if they can find a way to stop Erling Haaland. The Manchester City forward appears to be back to his unstoppable best form, scoring 15 goals in 11 games in all competitions, including 11 in the league.
Since their return to the title picture in recent years, Arsenal have been crushed time and time again by City’s dominance, mainly buoyed by Haaland’s incredible scoring consistency. Pep Guardiola’s side are still finding their rhythm, but Carragher believes City can lead Arsenal to victory again if Haaland maintains his current level.
“Arsenal went into this season worried that Liverpool would be a major obstacle to ending their 21-year title wait. Their biggest fear now may be Erling Haaland,” the Liverpool legend wrote in the Telegraph.
“Arsenal have the best squad of the contenders, Liverpool have well-documented issues to resolve, while Manchester City have the most influential players and dynamic attackers,” Carragher added. “The Norwegian is the biggest reason why Josep Guardiola’s side have a great chance of regaining the title. Without him, City’s most realistic aim would be to finish in the top four.”
“Haaland is so good that he can make a difference every time he plays. He is the most lethal finisher of this generation. That is why he is already worthy of comparison with past legends.”
City currently sit second in the table, narrowly chasing Arsenal in hopes of reclaiming the title that has rarely left the Etihad Stadium in the last decade. Back-to-back defeats to Tottenham and Brighton in August suggested last season’s vulnerabilities remained, but Guardiola’s side responded strongly, winning seven of their last nine games in all competitions.
Arsenal will still believe they have the upper hand, but with Haaland in such ruthless form, they know nothing is certain.
