Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal may have had a challenging start to the season, but top pundits, including Frank Lampard, Michael Owen, and Theo Walcott, are confident in their title potential.
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Following their recent 1-1 draw with Chelsea—where Gabriel Martinelli’s opening goal was equalized by Pedro Neto—Arsenal are nine points behind league leaders Liverpool. With Liverpool pulling five points clear at the top after a win against Aston Villa, and Manchester City’s unexpected loss to Brighton, Arsenal are now in fourth place.
The nine-point gap is historically significant, as no Premier League team has overcome a deficit larger than eight points at this stage of the season. Yet, former Liverpool striker Michael Owen believes Arsenal can be the first, pointing to the recent return of Martin Odegaard as a spark for the Gunners. “It’s nine points, yes, but it feels like their big players are coming back, confidence is returning,” Owen commented on Premier League Productions, “I expect they’ll start picking up points very soon.”
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard shares this optimism, especially noting that Liverpool, like any team, could face setbacks of their own. “Arsenal is a strong team with a great coach,” he remarked. “Liverpool haven’t had a blip yet, but one could come, so Arsenal should keep up the fight.”
Arsenal icon Ian Wright and former star Theo Walcott believe that injuries and suspensions have hampered Arteta’s side early in the season. Wright is hopeful that Arteta’s core lineup, with Odegaard back in the mix, will bring consistent results. “If we can put out the same team consistently, I’m confident they’ll close the gap and win games,” he said.
Theo Walcott also believes Arsenal’s tough schedule—including six of last season’s top 10, with five of those matches away—has put them in a stronger position than their record shows. “Without their main player, Odegaard, they’re still in the race,” Walcott told Match of the Day 2. “People overlook their tough fixtures and key injuries when assessing their form.”
With Liverpool’s perfect run yet untested by any significant injuries or tough stretches, Arsenal’s fans and players are keeping hope alive that the Gunners can close the gap as the season progresses.
