Opinion Piece | Arsenal's Title Ambitions: A Deep Dive into the Gunners' Prospects

Chris Colston
Jan 29, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Feb 1, 2024

The recent Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace game, ending in a staggering 5-0 victory for the Gunners, reignited the discussion about Arsenal's potential to clinch the Premier League title this season.

As a lifelong Arsenal supporter, I attended the match and witnessed first-hand the team's display of skill and strategy. This post is a deep dive into Arsenal's current form, their strategic needs, and the landscape of the Premier League title race.

Arsenal's Performance Against Crystal Palace

The match against Crystal Palace was a testament to Arsenal's evolving gameplay under Mikel Arteta. From the first whistle, Arsenal's dominance was evident. The team's strategy to exploit set-pieces was a masterstroke, as seen in the goals scored.

The players showed a blend of tactical intelligence and individual brilliance, with standout performances from several key players. This game wasn't just about the scoreline; it was a showcase of Arsenal's growing confidence and their ability to control the game's tempo.

However, there's absolutely no point in denying that Crystal Palace were abysmal! They allowed Arsenal to have an easy ride from minute-one, leaving the Palace fans holding up banners before the full-time whistle.

The Need for a Prolific Striker

Despite the recent victory, a point of contention remains Arsenal's striking options. While Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have had their moments, the team could significantly benefit from a more consistent goal-scoring striker. The lack of a 'killer instinct' in front of the goal might hinder Arsenal’s title aspirations.

In my opinion, and in fact the voices of a lot of Gunners' supporters, we won't win the league without a prolific number nine. Jesus is fantastic on the ball but too often has his back facing the goal. Instead, he should be looking to receive the ball on the move towards the goal. He may not be the quickest, but he needs be giving Odegaard options in front of goal.

Nketiah, in some ways, is actually more of a clinical finisher with a number nine's instinct when compared to Jesus. Eddie's problem is that he is not consistent enough and tends to lose the ball when in possession. Granted, he doesn't seem to get a decent run-in of games, but ultimately he does not do enough when the opportunity presents itself to him.

Arsenal need a killler. An out-and-out number nine that will be ruthless. You're looking for a Haaland or Kane. Hard to come by but if you can locate him, you will have a good chance of winning the league.

That said, at the very least, the likes of Martinelli, Odegaard, and Saka all need to be contributing more just like last year. Currently, they are falling short of the mark.

The Challenge Posed by Manchester City

Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola's leadership, continues to be a formidable force in the league. Their style of play, squad depth, and consistency make them a top contender for the title.

Manchester City will win the league again this season unless something major happens. They have already been without Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland yet still find themselves within the mix.

Liverpool's Surge and the Klopp Factor

The announcement of Jurgen Klopp's impending departure from Liverpool adds an interesting dynamic to the title race. Often, such announcements can galvanize a team, leading to heightened performances.

Liverpool remain in all four competitions and look hungry for success, especially after Klopp's shock announcement.

Arsenal's Position in the Title Race

Currently, Arsenal is well-positioned in the league but faces stiff competition. The team's current form is promising, but the Premier League is known for its unpredictability.

From next season, Arsenal should be better off with Klopp's absence due to his sheer presence. But the stark reality is, with Pep at the reigns, Man. City will always remain favourites.

Title Winners or Not?

In conclusion, Arsenal's journey to potentially winning the Premier League is filled with excitement and uncertainty. The team has demonstrated they have the talent, strategy, and the drive. While challenges from Manchester City and Liverpool loom large, Arsenal's current form suggests they are a formidable contender in this season’s title race.

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