Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Liverpool: 5 things we learned – Emery era starts now

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Players line up around the centre circle for a minute?s silence ahead of Armistice day prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on November 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Players line up around the centre circle for a minute?s silence ahead of Armistice day prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on November 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates with Danny Welbeck of Arsenal after he scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on November 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates with Danny Welbeck of Arsenal after he scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on November 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

1. Title contenders?

When Arsenal played Manchester City and Chelsea to open the season, it was never going to be a fair fight. Unai Emery was a matter of weeks into his new project and a much-changed Arsenal squad were still adapting to his styles and strategies. But this was a very different match.

Emery’s ideals are now far more ingrained in his players. He has worked out who fits his system — and who doesn’t — and the team is a far more cohesive, connected machine, not just the collection of individuals that it was at the start of the year. And this was Arsenal’s best performance of the season.

Could they now, then, be considered as title contenders? Well, maybe. They remain four points down on Liverpool but could slip into fifth if Spurs beat Wolves. Chelsea could also draw level on points with Liverpool, while City can extend their lead over Arsenal to seven points on Sunday.

Next. Arsenal Vs Liverpool: Player ratings. dark

If Emery’s team consistently play as they did here, then, yes, they can be considered title contenders. But, for now, it is too early to tell. There is still a long, long way to go indeed.