Arsenal’s Relentless Run: Arteta’s Side Emerges as Title Contenders Again

In what is becoming an increasingly tight and unpredictable Premier League title race, Arsenal have once again placed themselves firmly in contention. Following a string of emphatic victories—most recently a commanding performance away from home against Sheffield United—Mikel Arteta’s side are showing signs not just of quality, but of timing. With less than three months remaining, form is now everything. Arsenal’s resurgence has arrived at precisely the right moment.

What is most impressive is not simply the scorelines, though they have been striking, but the manner of the performances. There is a confidence about the team again, the sort that can only come from tactical clarity and collective understanding. Arsenal are not simply winning matches; they are dictating them. They are controlling tempo, managing pressure, and executing with clinical efficiency in the final third. That combination has brought them back into the conversation alongside Manchester City and Liverpool—and they do not look out of place.

Tactical Flexibility and Ruthlessness in Front of Goal

Much has been said about Arteta’s philosophy, rooted in positional play and discipline. But in recent weeks, there has been a welcome evolution in approach. Arsenal have become more direct when required, quicker in transition, and less rigid in build-up. There is still structure, but there is also greater fluidity.

Martin Ødegaard remains central as the creative axis, orchestrating from midfield, while Bukayo Saka continues to produce decisive moments from the right. But it is the rotation in midfield and the emerging threat from wider sources that have added a new dimension. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli provide unpredictability, while Kai Havertz—whose role had once been uncertain—has begun to deliver crucial contributions in deeper attacking positions.

The result is a team capable of scoring a variety of goals: sweeping counterattacks, well-constructed passages through compact defences, and set-piece efficiency that has become increasingly reliable.

Defensive Solidity and Maturity in Game Management

Though the attacking improvement has dominated headlines, it is Arsenal’s defensive maturity that may ultimately prove decisive. William Saliba’s influence cannot be overstated. Calm, composed, and commanding, he has become one of the most reliable centre-backs in the division. Alongside Gabriel, he forms a partnership that blends athleticism with positional intelligence.

Behind them, David Raya has grown into his role as the number one goalkeeper, offering a level of distribution and assurance that complements Arsenal’s backline. The full-backs—whether it is the energy of Ben White or the tactical awareness of Oleksandr Zinchenko—have adapted well depending on the opponent and the state of the match.

Arteta’s side now closes out games with greater calm. They press with purpose, defend with shape, and manage possession with maturity. It is the sort of progression that defines teams capable of winning championships.

The Challenge Ahead

Despite their strong form, Arsenal remain in a three-way contest. Manchester City’s consistency and Liverpool’s ability to win under pressure ensure that the race will likely go to the final weeks. But what Arsenal now possess—beyond points and performances—is belief. After the heartbreak of last season’s late collapse, there is a noticeable change in tone. The experience of falling short has hardened the group. There is less celebration, more focus. Less emotion, more execution.

With key fixtures approaching in both the league and Champions League, rotation and squad depth will be tested. Arteta will need to maintain momentum while managing minutes. Injuries could yet reshape the outlook. But Arsenal now look equipped, both tactically and mentally, to cope.

A Team Built for the Moment

Arsenal have not won the league since 2004. That long wait has often been filled with false dawns and near misses. But this iteration of the club feels different. It is not just the talent. It is the control, the resilience, and the timing.

As spring arrives and pressure intensifies, Arsenal look ready—not just to compete, but to complete the journey they began last season.

And this time, they may have what it takes to go all the way.