A quiet confidence is building around Arsenal, a feeling that echoes through the club and resonates with those who remember past glories. Legend Martin Keown sees a team not just playing well, but behaving like the dominant forces of the Arsène Wenger era – the teams he helped lead to three Premier League titles.
That foundation of strength, so crucial to those championship sides, is undeniably present in Mikel Arteta’s current squad. The Gunners are currently enjoying an extraordinary run of defensive form, recently achieving a remarkable eight consecutive clean sheets. But Keown cautions against focusing solely on statistics; true success demands excellence across the entire pitch.
The defensive solidity isn’t simply about preventing goals; it empowers the entire team. Defenders, often overlooked, thrive on the recognition and the unwavering support from a midfield that is beginning to dictate play with authority. Keown points to Martin Zubimendi, quickly establishing himself as a premier talent in the league, as a key component of this burgeoning dominance.
But it’s the impact of Declan Rice that truly excites Keown. He sees in Rice a player reminiscent of Bryan Robson, a dynamic force capable of influencing both ends of the pitch. Rice isn’t just covering ground; he’s doing so with exceptional quality, delivering pinpoint passes and driving the team forward with relentless energy.
This isn’t merely a team on the rise; it’s a team sending a statement. Arsenal’s recent performances aren’t just wins, they are emphatic declarations of intent, forcing rivals to take notice. The tug-of-war for the Premier League title is underway, and right now, Arsenal is firmly pulling its opponents off balance.
For years, Arsenal has been close, finishing as runners-up for the past three seasons. But this feels different. The missing piece, the ultimate validation, is a trophy. Keown believes this team has the potential to reach an elite level, joining the pantheon of Arsenal’s past title-winning sides, but only if they can finally seize the moment.
The coming months will be a true test. With rivals poised to respond, the pressure will intensify. But Arsenal has laid down a marker, a powerful signal that they are not just participating in the title race – they are leading it. The rest of the season promises to be a captivating spectacle.
