The Emirates Stadium is buzzing again. The red half of North London is the place to be in European football right now, as Mikel Arteta has transformed the fortunes of Arsenal Football Club to put the Gunners back on the map. The North London club have been the best team in the Premier League this season and have got off to their best-ever start to a campaign, amassing 50 points in 19 matches at the halfway stage. The Gunners have dominated every opposition with their slick passing, collective defensive security and passion, leaving those with an Arsenal persuasion dreaming of a 14th title.
Here is how their season shakes out at the halfway mark of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.
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In a word, everything. Arsenal have been as close to flawless as you can be over one-half of a Premier League campaign. The Gunners have dropped points in just three matches, winning 16 of their 19 games in a manner never seen before at the Emirates Stadium. The summer arrivals, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, have added ceiling-raising quality to the side and sparked a fire in the young stars, who have continued to shine and grow in the biggest moments of the season.
The Gunners have systematically passed every single test thrown at them this season, beating Chelsea and Tottenham away from home in fierce London derbies, while also blitzing Liverpool and Manchester United at the Emirates.
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Nothing much has gone against Arsenal’s way this season, barring the unfortunate injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe. The Englishman has failed to stay fit and make any impact on the Gunner’s historic season, spending most of the year on the sidelines with a groin injury. However, with the games coming thick and fast at the back end of the season, Mikel Arteta’s side will need the extra depth the number ten provides to sustain their sublime form and challenge for the Premier League title.
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It’s almost impossible to single out just one player responsible for their meteoric rise this season, but Martin Odegaard edges out Bukayo Saka, Granit Xhaka, and Thomas Partey for the recognition as Arsenal’s player of the season. The captain has raised his level this season, introducing end product to his game while also dictating the tempo and flow of attacks with more authority.
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Considering where Arsenal find themselves at the halfway point of the season, it would be a travesty if the Gunners don’t finish the job and win the league title. However, while Mikel Arteta’s side have been incredible in their first 19 games, the Gunners have also been fortunate not to face too many injuries to key players this season. Seven players have started every single game for the Gunners this season in the Premier League, and injuries to Thomas Partey, Bukayo Saka, or Martin Odegaard could derail their progress in the second half of the campaign.
Arsenal also have to deal with the juggernaut that is Manchester City, who are looking to win their third consecutive League title under Pep Guardiola. Mikel Arteta’s side have to face Manchester City twice before they can put their hands on the Premier League trophy, and those 180 minutes could potentially have the biggest influence on what could be an all-time classic title race.
[Featured Image Credit: Arsenal]
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