Having pushed Manchester City to the final day of the 2023/24 campaign, Mikel Arteta’s side have now evolved into genuine title contenders and are more than capable of going the extra step this season.
There are three key reasons why this will finally be Arsenal’s year to win the Premier League.
1. Mikel Arteta’s more complete team
Arsenal have lacked in certain areas over the past two seasons and this is what has ultimately cost them in the respective title races.
Poor attacking displays at times last season had a big effect on the ultimate fate of the league title. Games in which the Gunners dominated were being lost due to a lack of clinical finishing in front of goal. While many felt Mikel Arteta should have targeted a striker this summer, this was no longer the case after a sublime end of season run of form by Kai Havertz.
Havertz moved to striker for the second half of the season and scored nine goals between February and the end of the campaign. His prolific ability in front of goal eradicated Arsenal’s need to sign a natural goalscorer this summer and his instead placed him as the club’s first choice striker for this season. Gabriel Jesus suffered an off season last year but improved massively during pre-season. He looks ready to step in when his side are in need of goals and attacking flair this campaign.
Another factor in the Gunners’ failure to win the league last season was the lack of a quality and capable left back. Jurrien Timber’s injury last August meant Oleksandr Zinchenko would be the club’s first choice for the campaign. While a brilliant attacking player, the Ukraine international is extremely shoddy in defence. His poor display in the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa in April, the game that many feel cost the league, made this evidently clear.
Jakub Kiwior did step in for Zinchenko on occasion but struggled at times in attack so it was clear the team was in need of a more capable modern full-back. Riccardo Calafiori was brought in this summer as the answer to this issue. A lack of a replacement for Granit Xhaka was the final major factor in the failure to win the league last season. Arsenal fans hope the impending signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad will solve this issue.
Mikel Arteta has clearly addressed the few issues his team faced last season and as a result has a more complete team at his disposal. He should now be able to take this side the next step and lift the Premier League title this season.
2. Man City’s natural and gradual decline
Manchester City enjoyed a better Premier League season last year than their treble-winning campaign so many would assume they will continue to be the dominant force they have been for years. However, when looking at their squad depth, quality and fitness, it is clear to see there is a natural and gradual decline.
Kevin De Bruyne is arguably City’s most crucial player and this has shown throughout his whole time with the Cityzens. This was made clear by City’s incredible uplift in form following his return from injury last season.
The Belgium international missed the first half of last season with a hamstring injury and also struggled at times throughout the second part of the campaign. At 33 years old, the likelihood of de Bruyne suffering more injuries is now naturally greater. If he were to be injured again this season, the ability of City’s team will immediately decrease.
Several other important first team players such as Kyle Walker, John Stones, Bernardo Silva, and Mateo Kovacic are also 30 or over so are all likely to suffer a natural decrease in both quality and fitness over the course of the season. This will be worrying for Pep considering these names have been central figures in City’s recent dominance.
The sale of Julian Alvarez has also left City without a quality backup for Erling Haaland, so an injury to the Norwegian would be catastrophic and would mean City loses their main source of goals.
City have dominated the Premier League for years but this does seem to be coming to an end due to their gradual decline in squad depth, quality and fitness. This will greatly bolster Arsenal’s chances of winning the league this season due to their much younger but arguably evenly matched squad.
3. Two horse race
It will be just Arsenal and Manchester City involved in this season’s title race due to no other team being capable of reaching their level.
Liverpool were part of last season’s title race and looked to have improved after a poor campaign the year before. However, the departure of Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot replacing him as manager has reset things for the Reds. Slot will need a season at least to adjust to the demands and standards of Premier League football so will not be challenging Arsenal and City just yet.
The likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea all have good squads but are no where near the standards needed to be competing with the likes of Arsenal and City.
It will be just City for Arsenal to beat to the title this season and Mikel Arteta’s side are more than capable of doing so due to various factors. As a result, this is most certainly Arsenal’s year to win the Premier League.
