Arsenal are not Premier League title contenders, but it’s rare to see the club languishing at the foot of the table. Mike Arteta’s side has lost three straight games, without scoring a goal. The International break allows Arteta to assess how the Gunners approach the next three fixtures.
Despite spending £125m on players (the highest net spend in the Premier League), Arsenal are playing like a newly-promoted club, rather than an established top-flight side.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, club legend Paul Merson gave his opinion on the situation, he also believes the club will finish midtable this season:
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"At the moment, Arsenal are middle of the table. If they come fifth or sixth I think they’re pulling up trees, 10th is about right. They won’t finish above Leicester and they definitely won’t finish above Tottenham after they signed [kept] Harry Kane. I don’t think they would.Everton look organised with Rafa now, West Ham look decent, it’s going to be hard it’s not a free ride anymore. These other teams are buying good players, Aston Villa have Danny Ings, why’ve Arsenal not got Danny Ings?I worry about the recruitment. Arsenal are never beating anybody, you never see them nick a player off Man United. They’re the only team after a player. (Via: The Sports View)"
The Gunners have a significant chance of picking up their first win of the season when Norwich City visits the Emirates on 11th September. Daniel Farke’s side have had a tough return to the Premier League, having lost all three games at the start.
Arsenal as heavy favourites to win
The bookmakers’ price Arsenal as heavy favourites to win the game. The Canaries have conceded 10 goals this season, that’s one more than the Gunners, with Farke’s side finding the net once. It could be a long season for Norwich. Can they cause an upset in what is now a bottom-of-the-table clash involving the Gunners?
When the sides last met, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang became the fastest player to score 50 goals in the Premier League; the Gunners went on to win the fixture 4-0.
On Saturday 18th September, Arsenal faces Burnley at Turf Moor. Sean Dyche’s side are not in good form, having drawn one, and lost two in their opening three fixtures. Arsenal have not beaten Burnley in three attempts.
The North London Derby follows Arsenal’s trip to Lancashire. Back-to-back wins against Norwich and Burnley would give Arteta’s side a confidence boost against Spurs, a club with the only 100 per cent record in the league.
Both sides won their home fixtures last season, and another three points on September 26th would be welcome for those connected with Arsenal Football Club.
There is no need for panic inside the Arsenal dressing room, but Arteta’s side must pick up their heads, and the points. The next two league fixtures give them an opportunity to get back to winning ways.