Teamwork makes the dream work

Arsenal appear like title contenders greater than ever earlier than

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MANCHESTER, England — The factors have been shared, however some extent was made.

Arsenal are used to leaving Etihad Stadium bruised and battered by an annual actuality test that created an inferiority advanced about Manchester Metropolis. However Sunday’s 0-0 draw offers the Gunners tangible proof that their elevated self-confidence has been rightfully earned they usually have what it takes to final the gap within the Premier League title race.

If the run-in to the top of the season is about avoiding the errors of final yr for Mikel Arteta’s aspect, then here’s a constructive method to begin. Within the midst of blowing an eight-point lead from the start of April 2023, Arsenal got here to the Etihad and have been taught a harsh lesson in a 4-1 defeat that every one however re-established the pure order of issues with Metropolis pre-eminent as soon as once more.

This time, the Gunners have been nearly excessively safety-first, however that strategy was comprehensible: Arsenal haven’t gained on this floor since January 2015, and very often since then they have been blown away by half-time. Not this time.

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Manchester Metropolis had their probabilities. Nathan Aké wasted an opportunity as Kevin De Bruyne‘s Fifteenth-minute nook discovered him contained in the six-yard field. Erling Haaland missed his kick late on from one other De Bruyne supply within the closing six minutes. However regardless of 72% possession and 198 passes accomplished within the closing third in contrast with Arsenal’s 43, Metropolis ended with only one shot on the right track.

It’s the first time in 58 matches Metropolis have failed to attain at residence — a statistic Arteta rolled out in a number of interviews afterwards. This was additionally solely the eleventh time in Pep Guardiola’s 459 aggressive matches in cost that Metropolis have had one shot on the right track or fewer in a recreation. Arteta has been answerable for three of these — no different supervisor has achieved it greater than as soon as. The apprentice realized properly from the grasp.

“It generates perception,” mentioned Arteta of Arsenal’s stoic efficiency. “It continues momentum and the great place that we’re in. The truth that the boys are there they usually need extra they usually’re demanding individually from themselves saying. ‘I might have carried out higher, I have never carried out this in addition to after we educated,’ that tells you simply how a lot the boys need it. We’ll strive our greatest to proceed what we’re doing.

“We’re enhancing, we’re competing higher and we’re understanding how one can compete in these video games. There’s one other step to make to win championships and that is that you need to win. At present we have been in a position to attract and we now have to enhance so much nonetheless to win.”

Arsenal have been unable to capitalise on the odd threatening second. Gabriel Jesus failed to fulfill Bukayo Saka‘s 52nd-minute cross and Leandro Trossard couldn’t discover fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli 4 minutes from fulltime when Metropolis have been caught out on the again. However a smash-and-grab victory would have been harsh on Man Metropolis, who stored it tight all through albeit with out their typical efficiency.

Whereas Arteta has steadily improved Arsenal’s document in opposition to the normal “Massive Six” high golf equipment of the Premier League, Metropolis had the very best document final season, taking 21 factors, with the Gunners second on 19. However this draw extends a major drop from Metropolis in these large video games this time period.

Metropolis have solely crushed Manchester United (residence and away) this season and, having taken six factors from Arsenal final season, they will rely simply Sunday’s single level in opposition to the Gunners 12 months on.

There was maybe a way that Guardiola wouldn’t be overtly upset with a draw, too, given the defensive vulnerabilities uncovered by influential absentees together with Éderson, Kyle Walker and John Stones. Metropolis dictated the rhythm of the sport however didn’t threat all of it, maybe subconsciously counting on their monitor document of surging to the ending line first over the ultimate two months of the marketing campaign.

However, Guardiola is resorting to what may very well be termed “thoughts video games” by insisting Metropolis are third-favourites after a weekend by which Liverpool moved two factors clear on the high courtesy of their 2-1 win over Brighton at Anfield.

“At all times who’s first is favourites, second is Arsenal and we’re third,” mentioned Guardiola. “It is not in our fingers. All we are able to do is consider (subsequent opponent) Aston Villa. In case you are high of the league, like we have been earlier than, you might be favourites.

“They defend very well, low block, solidarity. It’s not simple to interrupt them. We take some extent, 9 video games, we see what occurs.”

Arsenal’s attacking numbers have generated headlines in 2024 however their defending has been a key enchancment from final season. Arteta is definitely aware that the 43 targets they shipped within the league final season was too excessive a quantity: the title-winners on common have conceded 32.1 targets because the Premier League started in 1992.

William Saliba‘s absence is broadly cited as one of many key causes behind for Arsenal’s faltering run-in final yr, and the proof continues to strengthen that time. On Sunday, the Frenchman and Gabriel Magalhaes have been glorious at centre-back, nullifying Haaland in spectacular vogue and irritating the prolific Norweigan to the extent heated phrases have been exchanged at full time.

Who has the final phrase within the title race stays to be seen. Liverpool have the lead, Metropolis have the pedigree however Arsenal look higher positioned than earlier than to stay a part of the dialog till the very finish.