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Arsenal strengthen position at the top of the Premier League table

By Ernesto Hernandez

Gabriel Martinellibcelebrates after scoring their side's second goal during the match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on December 26, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Gabriel Martinellibcelebrates after scoring their side's second goal during the match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on December 26, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /
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Eddie Nketiah celebrates with Kieran Tierney after scoring their side’s third goal during the match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day in London. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Eddie Nketiah celebrates with Kieran Tierney after scoring their side’s third goal during the match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day in London. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /

This may actually be the season where Arsenal finally win the Premier League season as the Gunners are now 8 points clear of Manchester City in the race for the title.

The side managed by Mikel Arteta had to come back after falling behind midway through the first half courtesy of a Saïd Benrahma penalty.

The visitors went into the break up and did a decent job of stifling Arsenal throughout the opening 45 minutes.

But it wouldn’t take long for the Gunners to equalize as Bukayo Saka leveled the score just 8 minutes into the second half.

https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1607486024279625728

It was the shot in the arm the team needed and shortly thereafter Gabriel Martinelli scored the second to give Arsenal the lead.

https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1607487404641853440

Eddie Nketiah put the cherry on the cake as he scored the third and final goal in the 69th minute.

https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1607489940551598081

Despite there being plenty of season left to play, it was a bit of a statement win for Arsenal and a glimpse of how different this team is this season as compared to those of the past. In prior seasons, the Gunners would have gone down early and never recovered. Or they would have managed to equalize and not get a winner or end up giving up a second and losing.

In short, they wouldn’t have been able to come back and pick up the win.

They are a different side this season under Mikel Arteta who has been given enough time to mold the team in his image. The club has been patient despite some early bumps in the road. Arteta has gotten rid of players deemed problematic and there now appears to be unity in the squad.

Arteta has managed to rotate his squad to compete both in the Premier League and in the Europa League. They sit leaders in England and have to be considered one of the favorites to at least reach the Europa League final.

Again, it’s still early but they have certainly given themselves breathing room over Manchester City — and Newcastle who currently sit in second place — as well as some margin for error.

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What’s more, we are fast approaching the winter transfer window, meaning there is an opportunity for Arsenal to strengthen even further should Arteta feel there is a need to improve specific areas on the pitch.

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