5 outsiders who accidentally became Arsenal heroes this season

In mid-week last week, despite mustering only two shots on target and an xG figure of 0.47, Mikel Arteta's team battled to a 1-0 victory over Brighton; Bukayo Saka's deflected strike in the ninth minute the difference.

However, the wildest celebrations of the night from those in the away end at the Amex were reserved for news of events from 262 miles north. The fact that Manchester City had only mustered a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at the Etihad, despite leading twice, cranked up the belief levels even further.

Of course, if Arsenal do get over the line and land the Premier League title, Arteta and his players deserve all the praise that most wide-spread media are opposed to giving them. However, they have of course had a few helping hands along the way, so here are five footballing figures who, slightly tongue in cheek, should get an invite to the Islington Parade, if indeed there is one.

Thomas Frank

If Arsenal do win the league and Tottenham get relegated in the same season, potentially even on the same day, would this be the best year ever? Certainly among Gooners, the face of Spurs' demise towards the Championship, rightly or wrongly, will be Thomas Frank.

The Dane, both during his time at Brentford and then across North London, frequently spoke highly of Arsenal, which reportedly did not go down well among Spurs players. Already unpopular at this point, being spotted drinking out of an Arsenal cup at Bournemouth did not help Frank's cause.

Most importantly though, Frank did massively enhance the Gunners' title chances. Back in August, at a time when Spurs supporters were all aboard Thomas the Frank Engine, he masterminded a 2-0 victory at the Etihad, before Tottenham came roaring back to draw 2-2 with Manchester City in February. Frank may have only picked up 29 points from 26 matches in charge of Spurs, but four came against the Sky Blues, who dropped five against his team, which may make all the difference. "Thomas Frank is a silver member", as the song goes; he surely deserves an upgrade to platinum.

Dominic Solanke

Sticking with a similar theme, another Spurs man warrants a mention. Tottenham's aforementioned 2-2 draw with Manchester City on 1 February was the most game of two halves game of two halves you're ever likely to see. The Sky Blues appeared home and hosed at half time, only for the Lilywhites to fight back after the break and earn a very unexpected point.

Dominic Solanke was the scorer of both goals, the second of which was an astonishing scorpion kick that seemingly took an eternity to loop over Gianluigi Donnarumma. Despite having now played for Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham, the 28 year old has made his true allegiance clear.

In an interview with the BBC in May 2024, while still at Bournemouth, Solanke admitted that his first-ever football shirt was indeed an Arsenal one, adding "I went to a few Emirates Cups back in the day". You may now play for the dark side, but thank you Dominic, your contribution to the cause hasn't gone unnoticed.

Morgan Gibbs-White

Looking more recently, but also broadly, Morgan Gibbs-White may become a forgotten hero of this season, and in two ways. First, he scored an impudent equaliser during Nottingham Forest's spirited 2-2 draw at the Etihad on Wednesday. This was Forest's first goal away to Man City since Kevin Campbell, Arsenal legend, netted at Maine Road in December 1997. Murillo's goal-line clearance mere seconds before referee Darren England blew his full time whistle should also be mentioned.

However, Gibbs-White has to be highlighted due to the ripple effect he caused. Back in the summer, Tottenham activated his secret £60 million release clause, which Forest were not particularly happy about. Instead of making the move, Gibbs-White signed a new contract at the City Ground, news that was announced in bizarre fashion you may remember, as he repeatedly thanked Mr Marinakis.

This led to Spurs pursuing Eberechi Eze, which sprung Arsenal into life and pay what Crystal Palace were asking for, without which he may never have got his dream move. As the song goes, let it all work out, and it just might.

Calum McFarlane

You might not know why you recognise the name Calum McFarlane. Well, as recently as New Year's Day, he did not have a Wikipedia page, but his contribution to this title race has not been forgotten. Following Enzo Maresca's sudden exit, McFarlane, the unknown under-21st coach, was thrust into the spotlight as Chelsea's caretaker manager for their trip to the Etihad in January.

Well, against all odds, the Blues battled to a 1-1 draw that day, with Enzo Fernández sliding in at the back post to bundle home a 94th minute equaliser. Chelsea had been cautious and defensive throughout before biding their time to strike like a cobra right at the death. McFarlane's game plan was praised both by players and onlookers, out-tacticking Pep Guardiola on the day, and how crucial could that result turn out to be for all?

Robin Roefs

Three days earlier, to ring in the new year, Manchester City also dropped points at the Stadium of Light, commencing a four match winless sequence. That night on Wearside, it finished goalless, despite the fact that the Citizens attempted 14 shots and accumulated a huge xG figure of 2.24.

There were many heroes in the Black Cats' ranks that night. Centre-back dup Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele registered 29 defensive contributions between them, but goalkeeper Robin Roefs should be saluted. He made four saves, all from shots inside the penalty area, preventing an xG of 0.74, key to seeing Man City drop two points.

Given how relentless and unstoppable Guardiola's team have been for a decade, every time Man City drop points it is worth celebrating as an Arsenal fan. The Gunners currently boast a seven point advantage, albeit having played a game more, so the job isn't done yet, but they're getting there.