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Why the north London derby represents the biggest test of Arsenal’s title credentials so far
It has been 22 years since Arsenal were last crowned Premier League champions – a long time between drinks for a club of their size, stature and ambition.
The Gunners have failed to win a trophy in the past five seasons under Mikel Arteta and pressure is mounting to deliver some silverware.
But they go into today’s north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur as Premier League leaders and DAZN News’ Ross Heppenstall assesses their title prospects.
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Consistently falling short
Arsenal have gained many plaudits for their expansive, free-flowing football since Arteta took charge in December 2019, but trophies have proved hard to come by.
The Spaniard’s only major piece of silverware to date as Gunners boss was the FA Cup success way back in 2019-20.
But they have become English football’s nearly men, having finished Premier League runners-up in each of the past three seasons.
Certainly a sixth successive campaign without winning anything would be simply unacceptable.
Arsenal host bitter rivals Tottenham today as clear favourites to be crowned champions of England once again.
Perhaps this is their time, although it has to be remembered we are only 11 rounds into the season with another 27 still to play.
Summer signings encourage hopes of long-awaited glory
Arteta spent around £260million in the summer after splashing out on the likes of Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze.
Their arrival bolstered a squad already dripping with class and creativity.
The new recruits have shown glimpses of their capabilities to varying degrees, but perhaps the biggest conundrum has been Gyokeres.
Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
‘He’s a heavy player’ – Gyokeres urged to shed the pounds
The Sweden international scored twice on his home debut in the 5-0 win over Leeds United back in August.
But goals have generally been scarce since then and he has yet to find his best form on a consistent basis.
Ex-Gunners and Sweden midfielder Stefan Schwarz only lasted a season at Arsenal after moving from Sporting's fellow Portuguese giants Benfica.
He gave his views to Hajper about Gyokerers, saying: "Hopefully, he'll start to create and score goals, have a good run, get that real boost, and get a bit lighter because he's a heavy player. I think that would help.
“He didn't have a proper pre-season, and you need to play the games. You have those six weeks to interact with your colleagues, to understand the movement. When the midfielder makes the pass, you just have to look in their eyes, you know where they'll pass it.
“That's a relationship that takes a bit of time, and football is about fine margins.
“Look at Dennis Bergkamp, he was the best at that. He will learn and score a lot of goals, and that will benefit Arsenal.”
Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Squad depth set to be tested but defensive resolve a huge asset
Arsenal, despite their position as Premier League leaders, have seen their season beset by injuries to crucial players with key defender Gabriel now a major absentee.
He picked up an injury while on international duty with Brazil and Arteta confirmed the centre-half will be out 'for weeks'.
Captain Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres are among the players currently absent through injury.
The quintet could all return soon following varying spells on the sidelines but it remains to be seen if any of them are passed fit for the north London derby.
Despite their injury concerns, Arsenal have conceded just five goals in 11 Premier League games this season.
In four Champions League matches, they have recorded four victories and four clean sheets, proving themselves one of the best defences in Europe.
Yet the depth of their talent pool could now be severely tested.
Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Beating Spurs would be a huge statement
Arteta tasted defeat in his first north London derby against Spurs in July 2020.
But he has not lost the past six meetings against the Lilywhites, winning five and drawing one.
Tottenham victories on Arsenal soil are generally a rarity and defeating the old enemy again would be another huge ringing endorsement of the Gunners’ title credentials.
Arteta’s side had won 10 games on the spin in all competitions before being held to a 2-2 draw at Sunderland last time out.
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