After a 1-0 victory over Everton in round 37, Arsenal have had 12 wins and 39 points after 17 rounds. This is the 5th time in the Premier League era that they have topped the rankings at Christmas (previously in the 2002-2003, 2007-2008, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons). However, in all 4 of these times, The Gunners were not the team that increased the title at the end of the season. Therefore, they have to be more careful than ever this season.
In 2002 and 2007, under the leadership of Arsene Wenger, Arsenal took a 2-1 lead over the relegation zone. Then at the end of the season, Man United were crowned champions, 5 points ahead of Arsenal (2002) and 4 points behind Arsenal (2007). Mikel Arteta's side in 2022 and 2023 led Manchester City by 5 and 1 points respectively, but the Citizens won by 5 and 2 points.
In the 3 times Arsenal won the Premier League, they have shown great motivation when overcoming the Christmas period. In the 1997-1998 season, they were 13 points behind Manchester United at Christmas but accelerated early in the year to win the championship by 1 point. Four years later, they are three points behind at Christmas and have not lost another game throughout the season, winning the championship by seven points. They even finished 2nd at Christmas in the unbeaten season (2003-2004) but also had the longest winning streak (9 consecutive matches) in the New Year.
The problem is clear, what Arsenal need to do right now is nothing other than to keep their position. They have had very hard-fought and not-so- pleasing victories against Everton or Wolves. However, that is very necessary because more than ever, 3 points are the most important thing. After the Everton game, Arteta said the Gunners could have won more, but he was happy with what they had. Regardless of the scenario, Arsenal still wins and maintains the leading position, which is making the Spanish strategist very confident.
"It's the result of stability, which is very difficult to keep in this tournament. The whole team has maintained the winning form and everyone should enjoy it.
Arsenal had to overcome many challenges to reach this position. What we need to do is prepare for the next matches, make sure everyone stays confident, has a strong mentality and is especially focused" - Arteta shared.
At a time when many key players are absent due to injuries, Arsenal still know how to win in many different scenarios. That is an encouragement for Arteta and his team as they won at the right time and could lose points for "customer" reasons. However, The Gunners understand that in the Premier League, just having a good job is not enough. If the competitors also play well, winning the championship will be even more difficult. The lesson of 3 consecutive second-place seasons is the clearest proof for Mikel Arteta.
In the 2023-2024 season, Arsenal have only lost points in 2/18 matches after Christmas. However, with only 2 losses to West Ham and Fulham since then, they have sadly finished second. Just look at these statistics to see how big the wins against Wolves and Everton are.
In the upcoming 4 matches in the Premier League, Arsenal will have to face both Aston Villa and Liverpool. One team is currently in the best form in the league, the other team is the defending champion and is looking to regain its position. If they overcome this series of matches with an all-win form, the day of victory will be closer for Arteta and his team.
