After losing to West Ham United on the opening day of the season, many moved to immediately dismiss Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League title. Oh, how wrong they were. Ten matches later, the Gunners are currently joint-top of the table and are currently playing exceptionally well.
Arsene Wenger was heavily criticised this summer for a number of reasons, none more so than his controversial decision not to buy a striker in the transfer window. The Gunners were linked with a move for Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema throughout the summer but opted against pursuing the forward as Wenger placed all of his trust in Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott.
To be fair to Wenger, he got it absolutely spot on. Both players are relishing the battle for that starting role and Arsenal are benefiting from two contrasting styles in attack. While Walcott offers the option to run in behind defences, Giroud’s physicality and aggression always keeps opposing defenders on their toes.
This ‘two-pronged’ attack is scaring opposing sides. Teams are unsure which striker will start in attack and this is affecting preparation on the training field. Wenger is a genius when it comes to surprise inclusions and he has certainly raised a few eyebrows with his starting line-ups in the early part of the new campaign.
Arsenal are in phenomenal form and a potential exit from the Champions League may play into their hands in the hunt for domestic glory. After losing 5-1 to Bayern Munich earlier this week, the Gunners are on the verge of elimination and many Arsenal fans are now hoping for their side to lose both of their remaining group stage matches.
If they avoid dropping into the Europa League, the Gunners will be able to focus purely on their domestic form and could take advantage when Manchester City’s fixture schedule becomes congested. Realistically, it is a two-horse race for the Premier League crown this season and Wenger could place all of his eggs in one basket with the domestic title.
For more news and information on Arsenal, please visit Bookies.com. Bookies can keep you up to date on odds, news and tips for all of Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures, as well as other Premier League matches. The Gunners face Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby on Sunday – a game that offers the perfect opportunity to get over their heavy Champions League defeat earlier this week.
In previous years, Arsenal’s title hopes have been affected by major injury problems midway through the season. Their supporters will be praying that they can avoid any serious issues this year and, if they manage to get through the campaign without any major worries, they will stand an excellent chance of lifting the trophy at the end of May.
