Arsenal are looking very solid so far. Can they finally join the title fight in the spring?

Nine rounds of the Premier League are over and the table has a surprise leader. Arsenal are still in the lead, showing very solid form. Can they finally join the title fight?

The mockery of other fans towards Arsenal seems to be over. Mikel Arteta, although sacked last year, has revolutionised the club, betting on young players and it is starting to pay off.

After nine rounds, the Gunners are top of the Premier League, one point ahead of Manchester City. But most importantly, they are putting in great performances and most importantly – this is not just some easy draw, Arsenal have beaten Tottenham and also Liverpool in the derby in the last two games.

The only stumble came at Manchester United, Arsenal won the other eight games. However, we have often seen in the past that the North London team did well in the autumn, but around Christmas time all title hopes were extinguished.

This scenario has to be feared at the Emirates Stadium so far this year, nine games is a small sample of the 38 duels so far. This year, however, things look to be different.

Arteta has gambled on young players, getting rid of Aubameyang, Laccazzet, even Bellerín, Leno, Pablo Mari, Kolašinac and Willian have left.

Last season, the Spanish coach started to rely on Martinelli, Saku, Smith-Rowe and Ramsdale in the starting line-up, and he appointed the 23-year-old Ødegaard as captain. This season, 21-year-old stopper William Saliba has been performing well, while Fabio Vieira, who is more of a substitute, has also been showing good form so far.

What may be a problem, however, is the width of the squad. After all, this is what Arsenal have been alluding to in previous years and why title hopes often ended around Christmas.

The attacking four of Martinelli – Ødegaard – Saka – Jesus has virtually no competition, Arteta can only use Vieira and Nketiah from the bench, Smith-Rowe has often struggled with injuries in the current season.

If Arsenal really want to chase Manchester City, they absolutely have to strengthen in the winter and bring in players to expand the squad. After that, things could get interesting for the Gunners.

Source: Premier League