Arsenal Ascends: Can Arteta’s Squad Maintain Their Premier League Pinnacle?

Is the 22-year wait finally over?

On Saturday, Arsenal ascended to the pinnacle of the Premier League with a decisive 2-0 win over struggling West Ham United. Declan Rice, a former Hammer, made his mark by scoring the opening goal against his old club. Bukayo Saka followed up with a coolly executed penalty after El Hadji Malick Diouf fouled Jurriën Timber inside the area. Mikel Arteta’s team was dominant throughout the match, creating several opportunities to extend their lead, but securing the victory was all that mattered on a potentially pivotal weekend in the league.

As title challengers Liverpool face a tough match against Chelsea, Arteta’s squad had a golden opportunity to pile the pressure on Arne Slot’s side, who are struggling with two consecutive losses. Arsenal seized the moment, controlling both possession and scoring chances. With this win, Arsenal now sits one point clear at the top of the table with 16 points after seven matches. Liverpool can reclaim the top spot with a victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but a draw would not suffice due to Arsenal’s superior goal difference of +11 compared to Liverpool’s +5.

Arsenal’s 100% record came to an unexpected end with a surprising loss to the high-flying Crystal Palace last week, where former Arsenal player Eddie Nketiah scored a last-minute winner in a 2-1 defeat. Crystal Palace remains the only unbeaten team in the Premier League, and their impressive start could significantly influence the title race, although it is still early in the season. Nevertheless, Arsenal can revel in their new role as league leaders, even if it may only last for a few hours.

The last time Arsenal held the top position after Gameweek 7 was during the 2022-23 season when they ultimately finished as runners-up to Manchester City. Prior to that, Arsène Wenger led the team to a fourth-place finish in 2013/14, after starting strong with six wins in their first seven games. Yet, there are positive signs. The last time Arsenal won the Premier League title, back in the 2003/04 season, they were actually in second place after seven fixtures. They went on to become the ‘Invincibles,’ completing the entire season without a single loss—a feat unmatched in the league’s 33-year history since its transition from the First Division.

Questions continue to arise regarding Arteta and Wenger’s inability to secure more titles, especially given their competitiveness in previous seasons. However, many believe that Arsenal possesses their best squad depth this century. This victory provides momentum as they strive to challenge the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City at the summit.