Mid-Term Report: Arsenal – Top of class and coming along nicely

Eleven games in, Arsenal sit top of the Premier League. Who would have predicted that after the opening weekend? They can be quietly confident of maintaining that status, with key players like Theo Walcott, Lukas Podolskiand Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain due to return in the coming weeks. They lost to Manchester United before the international break, with a flu stricken squad exposed at Old Trafford. Their lack in depth in some areas could cost them a title challenge, but these areas could be addressed in the January window.

• Position: 1st• Points: 25 points• Goals Scored: 22• Goals Conceded: 10

Result of the Season

Arsenal 2-0 Liverpool

Arsenal have secured many good results so far this season, including a 1-0 home derby victory against Tottenham. But the result of the season so far has to be their 2-0 home win against Liverpool. In that game they completely outclassed the opposition, and moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League. As well as a couple of big results, it has been Arsenal’s consistency that has kept them top of the pile.

Lowest Point of the Season So Far

Arsenal 1-3 Aston Villa

It was after this result that many ruled Arsenal out of a title challenge. Not only that, but also many saw the club as too weak to achieve a top four finish. Laurent Koscielny was rather harshly sent off, and the Emirates began to turn on Arsene Wenger. It all seems so long ago now.

Team Outlook Arsenal are the early pacesetters in the Premier League, despite the millions spent by Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City in the summer. Whilst other teams have made wholesale changes, Arsene tweaked his, shipping out the deadwood and adding two key additions in Mathieu Flamini and Mesut Ozil. Both have made an instant impact at the club, and Arsenal fans will be hoping a striker of similar quality is added in January.

Arsene will be disappointed in the way Arsenal were knocked out of the League Cup. It was only the fourth round, and Chelsea made light work of an Arsenal second string. It is this lack of quality in depth that will worry many of their fans.

The squad has once again been hampered by bad injuries, with Theo Walcott, Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all being sidelined for the opening half of the season. With Theo Arsenal’s top scorer and top assister last year, his return will be welcomed. Podolski and Oxlade-Chamberlain both had promising pre-seasons and start to the seasons cut short, and will be keen to continue where they left off upon return.

On the European front Arsenal have impressed in a tough group. With away wins against Borussia Dortmund and Marseille, Arsenal lead the ‘Group of Death’ with two match days to go. The Gunners face a tough trip to Naples, but after overcoming both of last years finalists away from home in 2013, Arsene Wenger will be quietly confident of a positive result.

Best Player – Aaron Ramsey

Aaron Ramsey has not only been Arsenal’s best player this season, but arguably the best in the league. With six goals and four assists in the league, Ramsey has improved his execution in the final third dramatically this season. With 44 tackles in 11 games, no other Premier League player has completed more tackles. His goals have often turned out to be the winning goals in games, securing vital points for the Gunners to help them move to the top of the table.

Best Signing – Mesut Ozil

The signing of Mathieu Flamini on a free must not be underestimated. He has added some grit and experience to the midfield. But it was the signing of Mesut Ozil that gave everyone at the club a lift, after the awful opening day defeat against Villa. His performances haven’t been quite as consistent as he would like yet, but in flashes, he’s shown his quality to be one of the best players in the league.

Worst Signing – Emiliano Viviano

Harsh to criticise when we haven’t seen him in action yet, but Viviano seems like a bit of a nothing signing. Arriving on loan and looks to be the third choice keeper, will we ever see him play for the Gunners? Yaya Sanogo is also yet to impress, but injuries and his age could excuse that.

Key Stat

Arsenal have only failed to score in one match this season, but it is their improved defensive focus which has been the biggest improvement this season. So far they have only made three defensive errors as a team, with none leading to a goal. Last season Arsenal made a total of 39 defensive errors, with 14 leading to conceding a goal.

Squawka Verdict

Arsenal have had a solid start to the season, but many still have concerns about how long their thin squad can continue to challenge. With league games against Manchester City and Chelsea and big Champions League games coming up, Arsene’s men will need to pass more tests before convincing many that a title challenge will be sustained. However, Arsenal’s brilliant start cannot be over-looked. They are leading the league, but have some difficult fixtures to come. Four stars so far.

Rating: 4 Stars – ****