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There is something different about this Arsenal side right now. Arsenal have always been on the cusp of greatness, especially in the last few years, where they have been so agonizingly close to winning a Premier League title, but just have not been able to.
However, this time around, despite the fact that they are only one point above Manchester City, something feels different.
Arsenal feel different. They look more laser-sharp, at least mentally. Their players look more focused. Even in the games they draw or lose, they hold themselves to a higher standard than they have in recent times.
They know that after so many years of being almost-champions, this season, that has to change. They are more focused, and they look better in other competitions as well. Top of the Champions League table. Semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. Things look good.
William Saliba has one clear objective with Arsenal this season
For William Saliba, too, things look great. He is still one of the leaders of this team despite being such a young player.
The Frenchman is already one of the very best central defenders in world football at the moment, and it does not seem like it is close between him and many others in Europe.
He was recently asked about the club's aspirations for this season, and how the hunger has improved even more since losing out on Premier League titles in the past.
He said: “Yes, of course, because we know that in every competition we play, we know we can win it. We have been close in the Premier League in the past three seasons, and last season we were in the semi-finals of the Champions League and the Carabao Cup.
"So we know that we can win every competition. But we have to show that on the pitch, and we have to start winning trophies now.”
He is bang on. What other reason would there be? Arsenal need to win now. They have built this really good squad in the last few years. They are really, really close to being successful in terms of silverware.
Besides, this is what Saliba signed his contract extension for. He explicitly said that he wants to win this club something before ever considering leaving for another club. He wants to show that he has achieved something with the club, that he has done something for the club, and this is the only way to do it.
Arsenal are playing really good football. They were already very good last season, and now, it is time to take the next step.