A new starting Xl, a reenergized attack, and a system you can believe in.
Twelve months ago, Arsenal were experiencing their worst league start in history. Having started their season with seven wins and a loss, they now top the table with 21 points.
It has been a stunning turnaround; after beating fellow Londoners Tottenham 3-1 on Saturday, they now lead Premier League favorites Manchester City by a single point after eight rounds. It is the first time Arsenal have held that position in a long time.
Compare that to the beginning of the last campaign – when Arsenal were at rock bottom, after losing their first three league matches without scoring a goal – and you can see why the fans are happy.
One year ago, Arteta’s position was under heavy criticism, but on Saturday, he exited the Emirates Stadium pitch to the rousing chants of the Gunners supporters. It did not matter how Manchester City would fare later on Sunday, as Arsenal’s win meant they go into another week top of the log.
City remain hot favourites on the betting front to retain the league title, but Arsenal are capable of staging a surprise. With the rise of online betting in the recent years , football fans have also started to enjoy real money pokies at the top top betting sites in australia.
But what the Gunners’ start to the current campaign has highlighted is precisely how things have changed at the club. Look at the team who were blasted 5-0 at Manchester City on August 28th, 2021, the defeat that put Arteta’s side into the international break bottom of the Premier League without a point or goal to their name.
The transformation has been tremendous. Arsenal were a mess. The progress at both ends of the pitch has been dramatic.
Gabriel Jesus has transformed the attack, which now appears unrecognizable to the forward line that was mostly lazy and one-dimensional during 2021/22, while Oleksandr Zinchenko has brought so much experience to the group.
Both have had a significant impact following their signings from Manchester City. William Saliba’s excellent form after his return from his loan spell with Marseille has coincided with some remarkable team performances.
After beating 10-man Tottenham 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the north London derby, Arsenal maintained their advantage atop the Premier League standings and extended their home winning streak to seven games across all competitions.
The Gunners enjoyed the far superior start and had the chance to take the lead in the third minute, but Gabriel Martinelli’s low half-volley effort rebounded against the near post.
Eventually, Mikel Arteta’s team’s pressure paid off, as in the 20th minute, Thomas Partey’s long-range effort past the experienced Hugo Lloris and into the top corner gave Arsenal the lead they deserved.
Tottenham tried to create opportunities on the counter despite being on the back foot, and on one such instance in the 29th minute, it led to the visitors being given a penalty after Gabriel caught Richarlison with a hasty challenge inside the area.
Harry Kane converted his penalty kick perfectly, hitting it straight down the center past Aaron Ramsdale to pull Spurs level and score his 100th away goal in the Premier League.
Early in the second half, Lloris made a costly blunder that allowed Arsenal to take the lead. Gabriel Jesus then restored Arsenal’s advantage with a simple tap-in goal after Tottenham’s goalie made two errors in the six-yard area.
Emerson Royal’s reckless tackle with his studs showing on Martinelli’s shin led to a straight red card, making Tottenham’s miserable afternoon even worse.
Five minutes later, Granit Xhaka calmly sunk a low shot into the far corner to give Arteta’s team their third straight home victory against their north London rivals, giving Arsenal the three points.