The biggest reason why Arsenal could be righting last year's wrongs

Arsenal superstar Declan Rice believes the biggest difference in this year's squad and their goals, when compared to last year's, is the number of injuries the Gunners faced last time around.

Arsenal look great, even greater than they did last season, and Declan Rice believes the injuries have played a big part in why they are even better now.

Speaking at the London Football Awards, he said: “The injuries. Last year, the injuries killed us. I know a lot of teams this year have been having the same problem, so I can’t complain about that, but we lost a lot of key players last year.

“We have an amazing squad this year. Players you can rely on in every position. Also, there’s a calmness. You go in every day, you see the boys. It’s not all serious. It’s calm, it’s relaxed.

“It’s like a family. You’re going in, everyone’s in their early 20s, no one’s really above 30. Everyone’s vibing. It’s a nice group to be around.

“We have such a good set of staff all around the building, every department. So everything’s been really good from start to start to now. We’re getting into the business end, which is the most important part now.”

The biggest reason why Arsenal could be righting last year's wrongs

Obviously, Arsenal were still a great team last time around. Second-placed finish in the Premier League, semi-finalists of the Carabao Cup, as well as the new edition of the Champions League - Arsenal did not win anything, but came pretty darn close to it.

They lost the Champions League tie to the eventual winners, Paris Saint-Germain. As much as it stings to be in that position, Arsenal would pat themselves on the back after beating so many good teams in their run, and there is no real shame in losing to the eventual champions.

This season, their aspirations are higher, their squad is deeper, and their level is also higher than it has ever been. They are seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table - having played one game more than Manchester City - and are looking at a decent draw to advance as much as possible in the Champions League.

They are also in the final of the Carabao Cup, as well as the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, and things are looking great.

Injuries, however, would not really be the only factor. The mentality has improved. The squad has improved. Mikel Arteta and others at Arsenal have looked at their weaknesses and fixed some of the problems there.

Of course, injuries did play a part last season. But, it probably would not have been possible for Arsenal to win the league even if they had less injuries anyway. It is obviously a different story and a huge if, but Arsenal are stronger in every aspect this season.

Injuries are a part of that. A very, very big part. But it is not the only factor that differentiates two great teams.