Even the most ardent of Arsenal fans would have to admit that in their wildest dreams back in August they couldn’t imagine their side with a 5 point lead at the top of the premier league in March. However, that is exactly the case, and it is richly deserved. Perhaps what isn’t deserved is the perception that if Arsenal fail to go on and win the league, it will be another case of ‘Bottling’ when the stakes are at their highest.
It can certainly be argued that previous iterations of the Gunners towards the end of the Wenger era and post the great Frenchman have been guilty of crumbling under pressure and not making the most of opportunities, be it in the league or in Europe. This season though, if they do get overhauled by Man City in the run in, it won’t be a case of Arsenal having bottled it. Let the numbers explain why. The last time Arsenal finished with more than 80 points in a season was back in 2008, since the 17/18 season they have achieved 70 points just once. The current side have 63 points with 12 games remaining, and on current projection should hit around 90 points. Even if they falter slightly they are almost guaranteed to break the 80 point mark, a landmark they haven’t achieved in the last 15 years. In contrast to this, Man City have been over the 80 point mark in each of the last 5 seasons and over 90 points in 3 of them. This just proves since Pep Guardiola’s arrival in England the incredible level now needed to claim a league title.
So we’ve established that points wise this will be a great season for Arsenal, title or not, but another important factor is the age of the squad with which they are doing it. This season the Gunners have the joint youngest squad in the premier league, the average player age is 24.3, which is only managed by relegation threatened Southampton. Whereas Man City’s squad is on average 26.6 years old, and with a lot of title winning experience. If Arsenal do go onto win the title they will be the youngest team ever to do so, eclipsing Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side of 2005.
The future is therefore looking pretty bright at the Emirates, with the youngest squad in the premier league on course for their highest points finish in at least 15 years. Add to this that Mikel Arteta is only in his 3rd full season as a manager and is still in his first managerial job. It’s generally expected that teams will improve with more experience under the belt and Arsenal and Arteta certainly have plenty time to do this.
Whilst things looks rosy at the moment, it is often said a great team is judged by the titles they win. Arsenal will need to prove that this season isn’t a flash in the pan, and they can show the level of consistency that Man City and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have proved over the last few years, if they want to stay at the top of the English game. Most importantly they will need to keep Arteta at the helm and key players at the club. No doubt if they end the season champions or not, there will be suitors for the likes of Saka, Odegaard and Saliba. Players and a coach of this quality are not easily replaced, but for now the exciting times are here to stay at N7.
Sportsheet 
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