Arsenal are charging ahead in the 2025-26 season, producing convincing performances as they stake a serious claim for the title — yet the journey is not without its concerns.
Under manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal recently extended their lead at the top of the Premier League as rivals slipped up. A telling moment came when new signing Eberechi Eze netted a decisive goal to beat his former club, Crystal Palace, 1-0 — a result that lifted Arsenal’s advantage to four points at the summit.
Earlier, they secured a 2-0 home victory against West Ham United in Arteta’s 300th game in charge, thanks to efforts from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
In that West Ham match, Saka reached a significant personal milestone: his 200th Premier League appearance at 24 years and 29 days old, putting him among the youngest ever to reach that mark for a major club.
Meanwhile, the Champions League campaign continues to smile on the Gunners — their 2-0 triumph over Olympiakos marked their sixth consecutive group-stage win, a feat not achieved since 2005.
However, despite the promising results, clouds hover over the North London outfit: captain Martin Ødegaard is set to miss at least nine games due to a medial collateral ligament injury.
This absence comes at a crucial time as Arsenal navigate both league and European fronts, putting greater demands on the squad’s depth and resilience.
Arteta has been vocal about instilling belief in the squad and the fanbase, stating that the position they’re in gives “the right reasons to believe.”
With rivals faltering and Arsenal’s form consistent, they appear ready to challenge for their first Premier League crown since 2004. Yet the message is clear: momentum must be maintained, and squad issues managed carefully, if they are to convert promise into silverware.
Looking ahead, the Gunners face a number of tests: maintaining their edge in the league, navigating the Champions League knockout stages, and proving they can cope without key figures like Ødegaard. If they do so, this campaign could mark a transformative moment for the club.