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International break catch-up: Five takeaways from Arsenal’s season so far

By Kian Long

Arsenal's Alex Iwobi celebrates to the fans after Alexandre Lacazette (back) scores his side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at Craven Cottage, London. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Alex Iwobi celebrates to the fans after Alexandre Lacazette (back) scores his side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at Craven Cottage, London. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Nacho Monreal of Arsenal and Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal after the first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Watford FC at Emirates Stadium on September 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Nacho Monreal of Arsenal and Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal after the first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Watford FC at Emirates Stadium on September 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Getty Images) /

2. The only thing which matters is the points

Arsenal haven’t even been at their best throughout some of their matches this season, I’ll be the first to admit. In games where they could have easily picked up one or zero points, they’ve picked up all three, and that’s all that matters.

While I’m not saying Arsenal are capable of winning the league this year, this is a sign of champions. Chelsea of 2016/17 and Leicester City of 2015/16 both showed the ability to pick up points even when they didn’t look at all dominant. They all add up, and two/three points could be the difference between qualifying for the Champions League and the Europa League.

For example, the game against Everton. Arsenal should have probably drawn this match, but instead they came out as 2-0 winners. Arsenal dominated the possession, but Everton crafted more chances. What matters most is the conversion of those chances, and with Arsenal’s potent strike force, you best believe those chances were converted.

At the time of writing this, Arsenal are just two points from the top of the table. Should they have dropped points as their performances would have suggested, they could easily be outside of the top six at this point. It just goes to show how crucial their winning mentality is.

I said earlier in the season that Unai Emery would start playing uglier football to get wins, and it’s definitely worked. I’m not saying Arsenal’s football hasn’t been attractive, but they focus less on the aesthetics now and just focus on getting the ball in the net.

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