Are Arsenal title contenders?

Are Arsenal title contenders?

By Jonny Bray
After six games, Arsenal sit atop the Premier League table. 
The Gunners have been brilliant from the word go, scoring 14 goals while conceding just seven. 
Mikel Arteta has rejuvenated the club, with fans now firmly behind this young and exciting side. 
However, trouble is on the horizon. 
The Gunners have nine matches in all competitions during October, with some crucial clashes against the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool and defending champions Manchester City. 
So, with that in mind, can the North Londoners be considered title contenders at this stage in the season? 
Or will Gooners have to settle for a spot in the top four? 

Arsenal are title contenders

Arsenal's starting XI is one of the strongest in the league, and on its day, it can be a match for City and Liverpool. 
That is, in part, because Arteta's new signings have hit the ground running.
Gabriel Jesus has scored three goals and registered three assists, while Oleksandr Zinchenko's discipline and positional awareness at left-back has unleashed Granit Xhaka's full potential as a box-to-box midfielder. 
Of course, Fábio Vieira is yet to kick a ball, but William Saliba has returned from his loans in Ligue 1 in fine form. 
For the first time in over a decade, there isn't a glaring hole in Arsenal's starting team. 
This squad has a good balance between young and old, defensive and offensive, but crucially it also has a fighting spirit. 
Fulham have been a tough team to tackle for several sides since their return to the top of English football, and when Arsenal went 1-0 down to the Cottagers, many fans feared the worst. 
But the Gunners fought back, showing their grit to take all three points. 
If they can keep that spirit through to May, then there is no telling what they could achieve. 

Arsenal are not title contenders

The Gunners have only played one of the traditional top six in the league. 
In that game, Arteta's Arsenal often outplayed Manchester United, but they were ultimately unsuccessful in their pursuit of three points. 
Sure, Arsenal were unlucky, but if they are going to challenge for the title this season, they'll need to put top teams to the sword when given the opportunity. 
With games against City, Liverpool and Spurs coming up next month, Arteta will be tested, as will the depth of this squad. 
The starting XI is strong, but a few injuries in key positions could damage Arsenal's credentials as title contenders. 
Albert Sambi Lokonga, Mohamed Elneny and Eddie Nketiah are a big step down from Jesus, Xhaka, and Thomas Partey. 

Conclusion

The Gunners are moving in the right direction, and fans need to be patient. 
The start of this season has been the biggest indicator yet that Arteta is the right man for the job. 
Though this season might be a year too soon, Gunners fans can look forward to a thrilling campaign. 
And if Arteta can keep the club on this upward trajectory, Arsenal could be challenging for the title in years to come.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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