3 reasons why you cannot rule Arsenal out of Premier League title race

Nine points off top, clinging on to fourth place and now winless in their last four Premier League matches; it seems, this year, that the wheels are coming off extra early at Arsenal.

More dropped points – this time in a 1-1 draw versus Chelsea – have further dented the title dream and quashed any morale in the Gunners camp, with many fans deeming the gap to Liverpool too big for a spectacular, north London comeback.   

But there is still hope. This deficit is not insurmountable and Mikel Arteta will have ample time to reflect on matters over the next two weeks, working with the large cohort remaining at home to ensure they hit their stride upon their domestic return.

3 reasons why you cannot rule Arsenal out of Premier League title race

Things are bleak right now, yet here are three genuine reasons to think Arsenal might still be in title contention.  

1. Titles are not decided in November

Although it is small comfort, one should remember that the Premier League race is a marathon and not a sprint.

Arsenal found out the hard way in 2022/23: they stood seven points clear of Manchester City by the turn of the year and were in imperious form, winning 14 out of 16 matches. No one needs reminding of how that all played out…

But several other title ‘shoo-ins’ have collapsed too, from Newcastle in 1995/96 (12-point lead) and Manchester United in 2011/12 (eight points) to current leaders Liverpool back in 2018/19 (a seven-point advantage).

Cheerfully, the Gunners themselves bridged an 11-point gap back in 1997/98, with a Marc Overmars winner at Old Trafford forming part of a ten-game unbeaten run that saw us pip Manchester United to the title. At one point, in December of that campaign, Arsenal were lying sixth in the table and were ten points behind the Red Devils.

These examples might mean little today, but they at least show that our current situation is far from unprecedented and any team with title aspirations – like ourselves – should not give up the ghost at this stage, as it can all change so quickly.

Stranger things have happened.

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