Zubimendi is on duty for Spain during the international break. He’s proven a good buy for Arsenal. — AP
ARSENAL have been installed as favourites to win the league in May, leapfrogging the reigning champions Liverpool.
The basis of that change lies in Liverpool’s two successive defeats in the Premier League prior to the international break. And because it’s so early in the season – just six of 38 matches played thus far – it does seem a bit premature to begin cutting the Merseyside outfit’s odds.
There’s no doubt the vast swathes of Anfield’s faithful supporters will view those changes in the odds column with great disdain.
The pragmatic lot will offer the sensible response of calling for patience and waiting until May to see who the winners may be.
The Gunners, though, will not be troubled by the bookies’ calculations, and may well use their ascendancy in the odds to further consolidate their bid for a first league title in more than two decades.
Mikel Arteta’s side finished third in the last three seasons, and until they prove themselves and are crowned champions, the tag of them being labelled chokers will continue to sting – and sting mightily.
Without an iota of doubt, this is Arsenal’s best chance of landing the title in the last 20-odd years. They now possess a potent squad – one good enough to challenge in Europe too, one would have to say.
They led the standings by one point from Liverpool and will be itching to maintain their top spot, if not extend it.
Liverpool face a tricky home fixture against their old foes Manchester United in the late game tomorrow.
And following their two defeats last time out, some firmly believe Man United could come away with something despite their own erratic form.
The Gunners would benefit immensely from something like that, and if they could see off Fulham at Craven Cottage in the late game today.
The summer signings of Martin Zubimendi and Cristhian Mosquera are proving to be impressive pieces of business in the off-season.
They have added long-sought-after depth and composure to the Gunners’ midfield and defence.
Declan Rice has been Arsenal’s midfield orchestrator. The England midfielder, always on hand to break up the advances of the opposition and dictate the tempo, has played in all of Arsenal matches this season.
Martin Odegaard, the Gunners’ skipper, has been equally influential when not sidelined by injury. His creativity is visibly missed when not on the pitch.
The Gunners’ frontline of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and new signing Viktor Gyokeres is as lethal as any in England.
These forwards will have the spotlight on them, and if Arteta’s plan goes according to script, they should still be at the top of the standings after the weekend.
Fulham will look to their Nigerian star defender Calvin Bassey for consistency and leadership when Arsenal visit.
A pillar of strength, Fulham will need him at his best to thwart their city rivals, who will come with much intent on winning today.
