Arsenal is Roaring Back to the Top

It was only a few months ago that Arsenal were in complete disarray. After a 5-0 embarrassment against Manchester City, the Gunners sat at the bottom of the Premier League table. It seemed like only a matter of time until the plug was pulled on the Mikel Arteta experiment.

Since then, Arsenal has completely changed its fortunes. The Gunners have not lost a match since that defeat, and find themselves currently in fifth place, only 2 points out of the top-four. How has this team had such a dramatic turnaround?

How has Arsenal turned their fortunes around?

The key component of this has been the outstanding play of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Arsenal spent £30m (including add-ons) on the Sheffield United player, and despite questions about whether he was worth the price, he has proven to be a bargain.

Ramsdale has kept five clean sheets in eight matches and has been one of the best shot-stoppers in the Premier League.

Just look at this world-class performance against Leicester:

Besides Ramsdale, Arteta’s side has put together a strong young core of talent that can grow together over the coming years. Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel and summer signing Ben White are just some of the talented players under 25 who have shone this season.

"Arsenal has a strong young core that can grow together over the coming years"

White may be the most surprising star of all. Arsenal was heavily questioned for spending £50m on the Brighton defender, but the center back has been rock solid at the Emirates, and he has been in exceptional form during the recent run of success.

His play has led him to be under consideration for the England squad, despite not receiving a call-up in the most recent World Cup qualifiers.

After hearing criticism for the better part of two years, credit must be given to Mikel Arteta. He has defied his critics and has grown as a manager alongside this young crop of talent to create a new identity for the club.

While they still have struggles in attack— they rank 19th in big chances created— they have continued to find ways to climb up the table and get results.

For maybe the first time in the Arteta era, there is a growing sense of optimism at the Emirates. With new stars emerging, Mikel Arteta’s side has been thriving in recent weeks.

With a major match looming against Liverpool, it’s time to see whether or not this squad has what it takes to potentially fight for the top four and return to the Champions League for the first time since 2016-17.