It has been some begin to 2024 for Arsenal.
A sixth successive victory within the Premier League, 25 targets scored throughout that run and simply three targets conceded – they’re within the title battle and look decided to remain there.
The Gunners, in fact, had been in an identical place final 12 months earlier than their problem fell away, however they’re displaying a starvation and resilience that implies they’re decided to not repeat the errors of the previous.
“We live the dream,” Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard advised TNT Sports activities as his aspect moved two factors behind leaders Liverpool in third.
“Now we have all dreamed of being right here. You see each week how aggressive it’s and that’s the place we need to be – we need to battle for trophies.”
Whereas Arsenal have gained each recreation they’ve performed within the Premier League in 2024, they did lose to Porto within the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in midweek, conceding a stoppage-time purpose.
However they responded in type with 4 targets in a 4-1 win towards Newcastle on Saturday.
“They appear like a workforce actually upset with the midweek efficiency. Their press and depth was nice – instantly on the entrance foot,” former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand mentioned.
“The secret is ensuring they do not let concern creep in, that will be straightforward. However there isn’t any signal of that in the intervening time.
“They’ve turn out to be a really environment friendly workforce and unit proper now.”
Odegaard added: “The 12 months earlier than we missed the Champions League and got here again stronger. Final season we missed a title and now could be the time to indicate we have now discovered – each time we play we’re so excited.”
Arsenal’s record-breaking 2024 – the stats
- Arsenal have turn out to be the sixth aspect to win their first six Premier League matches of a calendar 12 months and the final three have gained the title.
- Their tally of 25 targets from six video games is probably the most any workforce have scored from the beginning of a calendar 12 months within the Premier League.
- For the primary time of their historical past, Arsenal have begun a calendar 12 months with six successive league wins.
- Bukayo Saka has scored in 5 consecutive league appearances for the primary time in his profession.
- He’s the primary English participant to attain in 5 consecutive Premier League video games for Arsenal since Ian Wright (7 between September and November 1994).
- They’ve turn out to be the primary workforce in Premier League historical past to attain 2+ targets in seven consecutive halves of soccer.
- Arsenal’s 27 set-piece targets this season (together with 8 penalties) is their most on document in a single league marketing campaign since Opta started recording such knowledge in 2004-05.
‘World class’ Saka main the best way
Key to Arsenal’s spectacular shows and ends in 2024 has been the type of Bukayo Saka.
The England ahead scored the Gunners’ third purpose to take his tally for the season to 16 in all competitions.
It was additionally the fifth Premier League recreation in a row he has scored in, whereas he has additionally hit two doubles throughout that run – within the 6-0 win at West Ham and 5-0 victory at Burnley.
“These moments are what are propelling him ahead to be a world-class participant sooner or later,” added Ferdinand.
“He’s a implausible younger participant with a superb mindset and for this reason he’s producing on a constant foundation.”
Requested about being known as “world class”, Saka mentioned: “No remark.
“I’m pleased with one other purpose as we speak and extra importantly joyful to win.
“I’m working onerous on daily basis and giving my finest. Clearly I’ve nice team-mates giving me good passes, which helps as effectively.
“Now we have been working onerous and there’s a lot of high quality going ahead, and it’s beginning to click on now – we simply have to proceed with this [form].”
Shaping up for ‘considered one of finest title races’
The victory for Arsenal moved them to 1 level behind defending champions Manchester Metropolis, who’re second, and two factors behind leaders Liverpool.
With 12 video games remaining, it’s shaping as much as be an interesting and tense title race.
“What a run-in we’re going to get,” mentioned former Scotland worldwide Ally McCoist.
Former Gunner Ian Wright added on Match of the Day: “It’s wanting good. They’re studying from final season, they only need to maintain doing what they’re doing. Arsenal are scoring targets left, proper and centre.
“Arsenal this 12 months really feel completely different, and I feel they’ll go all they approach and push Liverpool and Manchester Metropolis. It will likely be the most effective title races for a very long time.”
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown added: “It’s a must-win each week due to the requirements.
“There are 12 video games left and it’s a must to win each one – there are some enormous video games developing.”
Nonetheless, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is decided to remain grounded.
“We’re actually joyful, we have now to proceed to do the issues that we’re doing effectively,” he mentioned.
“There are nonetheless issues that we will do higher and we’re bringing large gamers again from harm so that could be a large enhance.
“In opposition to Porto we had been ourselves with the ball however not with out the ball. It was an enormous lesson and also you be taught so much from these moments.”
