Arsenal have become the frontrunners for the Premier League title, convincing fans and pundits with consistent results and defensive excellence. Their transformation shows clearly when comparing this season’s performances against Newcastle, West Ham, Fulham, and Crystal Palace.
Last season, Arsenal dropped 10 points across those fixtures. This time, they have beaten all four. Those missed opportunities previously cost them the title, as they finished second to Liverpool by 10 points. Now, after facing Manchester United, Liverpool, and Newcastle away, plus Manchester City at home, Arsenal still lead the table by four points ahead of Bournemouth.
For the first time since 1992, none of Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, or Chelsea sit in the top four. Former City defender Nedum Onuoha said, “People call them set-piece FC, but they dominate every metric—fewest goals conceded, fewest chances allowed, and most shots taken.”
Arteta’s Signings Deliver as Arsenal Evolve into Complete Contenders
Mikel Arteta faced pressure after spending around £250 million on eight new players in the summer. His investment has paid off spectacularly. Arsenal now boast the league’s second-best attack and the tightest defence despite multiple injuries.
“Arsenal can do everything now. The whole team carries a fear factor,” former striker Theo Walcott told BBC Sport. “Opponents fear them—it’s normal now that they don’t concede goals. Last year, too many draws cost them. This season, belief runs through the club.”
Ellen White described Arsenal as a “juggernaut, hard to stop.” Arteta said he valued the win over Crystal Palace more than any other this season, calling it proof of the team’s growing maturity. “We’ve been consistent,” he said. “But consistency means nothing unless we keep improving.”
Arsenal lead the league in clean sheets (6), goals conceded (3), and fewest shots faced (72). Gabriel and William Saliba anchor the best defence in England. Even with fitness concerns for Saliba, young centre-back Cristhian Mosquera has stepped in superbly. Arsenal have not conceded in their last 385 league minutes.
Set-Piece Power Makes Arsenal Deadly in Key Moments
Arsenal’s reputation for set-piece dominance continues to define their success. They have scored decisive goals from corners and free-kicks against Manchester United, Newcastle, Fulham, and Atlético Madrid. Each strike proved vital in tight matches.
Opposing managers have struggled to counter Arsenal’s precision from dead-ball situations. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have emerged as two of the best set-piece takers in the league. Arsenal have already scored 11 league goals from set-pieces—more than any other team—and 69% of their total goals have come that way.
Arteta’s side aim to increase their goals from open play, but their efficiency in set-piece situations has made them almost unbeatable. Walcott summed it up: “Arsenal can play anyone, defend solidly, and find a way to win. That’s what champions do.”
