It seems like a long time ago that Arsenal suffered a home defeat to Liverpool on the opening day of the season, and it’s gone pretty well for Arsene Wenger since.
The Gunners are unbeaten in all competitions since August 14, a run of 14 games that has ensured that they sit joint top of the Premier League table, are edging closer to qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League and remain in the hunt in the domestic cup competitions too.
Things appear to be on track at the Emirates Stadium currently, but we’re now entering a time of the year where Arsenal historically struggle.
Looking back to last year, Wenger’s men had won four straight Premier League games and beaten Bayern Munich in the Champions League in October. However, things took a turn for the worst when November arrived, as they suffered a heavy defeat to Bayern in the return fixture and went without a win in the league until December.
The fixture list looks daunting this time round too, as they face Tottenham and Manchester United in their next two league games along with a potentially crucial clash with PSG which will likely determine which team finishes top of Group A.
The signs this season are positive, as it appears as though Wenger has strength in depth with others stepping in to ensure that they maintain their solid start to the campaign.
Nacho Monreal, Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott were all missing at Sunderland at the weekend, and yet the Gunners secured a 4-1 win with the returning Olivier Giroud bagging a brace.
Aside from that quality and depth is a resolve that Arsenal have shown in abundance so far this year. From bouncing back after the Liverpool loss to producing a response after the disappointing goalless draw at home with Middlesbrough, is there really a steeliness about this current squad that suggests they can avoid a repeat story?
Wenger is confident in his group and believes that this is the year that they will contend. With quality in all departments and a maturity about them, they enter November looking to make a statement.
Wins over Spurs and United coupled with top spot in their Champions League group would be a pretty good look heading into December, but time will tell as to whether this is the real thing or if it’s merely just another false dawn.
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