Arsenal have the best Premier League record in the big-six mini-league this season, showing how far the Gunners have come under Mikel Arteta.

Anyone who has been an Arsenal fan for the last couple of decades will remember a time when a game against a big-six rival was almost a guaranteed defeat, at least away from home.

There were seasons when Arsenal could easily have been in contention for the title based on their results against the other 14 teams, but their dire record against their five big-six rivals thrust them back into the top-four race instead.

That’s slowly been changing in recent years, and 2023/24 finally has the Gunners coming out on top.

The above graphic from Opta Analyst highlights that Arsenal are unbeaten in their six Premier League fixtures against big-six teams this season, winning three and drawing three.

The wins include victories over title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, with only one game to go against the top two – albeit a very tough trip to the Etihad Stadium.

Contrary to those seasons of old, Arsenal remain in the fight for the Premier League title precisely because their big-game record has been so good.

It’s actually the smaller games where Arsenal need to find a bit more of a rhythm, with the defeats to Fulham and West Ham United over the festive period currently proving the difference between third and first.

The Gunners need to show they can be just as fired up for a game like Sunday’s away to West Ham as last week’s match against Liverpool.

If they can do that, there’s no reason why they can’t be title contenders.