Arsenal head into the October international break top of the Premier League table and full of belief that this could finally be their season. Having finished second in each of the past three campaigns, Mikel Arteta’s men have been desperate to turn promise into silverware.
A summer spend of around £250m by sporting director Andrea Berta has bolstered Arteta’s options across the squad, and recent results — a dramatic comeback victory over Newcastle followed by a hard-fought win against West Ham — have injected momentum at just the right time. With Liverpool stumbling and Manchester City looking less dominant than in previous years, the Gunners sense opportunity.
Ian Wright believes Arsenal can do it
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has thrown his full support behind his former club, arguing that this season feels different. Speaking on The Overlap, he said recent results reaffirm Arsenal’s credentials.
“I think we’ve got the best squad in the league at the moment. It’s now up to the manager to make sure he puts the right pieces in the picture at the right time… Arsenal are now in the driving seat, and this is where we see the mentality of our players. They’ve finished second three times; they know what to do. It’s their time now.” — Ian Wright, The Overlap
Wright stressed the importance of Arsenal seizing chances when rivals slip, recalling last season when Liverpool’s dip in form went unpunished. Against Newcastle, however, Arteta’s side took advantage, a sign that lessons may have been learned.
Arsenal’s title chances according to data
OPTA’s supercomputer currently gives Arsenal a 44% chance of winning the Premier League. Liverpool are rated at 30%, with Manchester City surprisingly trailing at 14%.
Interestingly, Arsenal’s points tally after seven games is one behind last season’s total, but compared to the same fixtures played, they are five points better off. That suggests real progress in terms of handling tricky opponents and converting performances into results.
The challenge ahead
Arsenal’s defensive solidity has underpinned their progress so far, with Arteta’s side showing greater resilience in tight matches. The squad depth added in the summer gives Arteta options he previously lacked — particularly in the forward line where rotation is now possible without weakening the attack.
But the key, as Wright highlights, will be mentality. After years of chasing Liverpool and Manchester City, Arsenal now have to prove they can handle the pressure of leading from the front.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Wright is right to be optimistic, but warns consistency will be decisive:
“Arsenal’s squad is arguably the strongest in the Premier League, and the data backs their early position as favourites. But mentality has been their Achilles’ heel. If they can stay calm in the spring months when pressure peaks, then this could finally be their year.”
Key Insights
- Arsenal top the Premier League heading into October’s international break.
- Ian Wright says Arsenal now have the “best squad in the league.”
- OPTA ranks Arsenal 44% title favourites, ahead of Liverpool and City.
- Arsenal have improved by five points compared to last season’s equivalent fixtures.
- Mentality and consistency remain the crucial hurdles to clear.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
After the break, Arsenal resume Premier League action with a testing run that includes fixtures against Fulham and Crystal Palace. These matches will be vital in maintaining momentum and building belief within the squad and fanbase alike.
With Liverpool faltering and City showing signs of vulnerability, the Gunners’ challenge is to prove they can sustain their form through the winter months. The talent is there, the squad is deeper, and as Ian Wright insists — this could finally be Arsenal’s time.
👉 Do you agree with Ian Wright — is this the season Arsenal finally end their long wait for a Premier League title?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 9 Oct 2025 09:28
I think they'll and I agree they've the best squad, but I just hope they dont. I want us to win it obviously, but our defense have been very poor.
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