Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League after a 3-2 victory over Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Gunners took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli from the first minute and despite two recoveries against the Reds, Mikel Arteta’s side prevailed with two strikes from Bukayo Saka – the second from the penalty spot with little less than a quarter of a second. remaining hour.
That’s now eight wins from nine games for Arsenal and 24 points from a possible 27 in the Premier League in 2022/23. It’s still early days, but the Gunners definitely look like title contenders.
Arteta had come under intense scrutiny last season after Arsenal missed out on fourth place and Champions League football against north London rivals Tottenham at the end of the campaign, but the young Basque team started so strong this time around.
Until recently, many questioned the quality of Arsenal’s opponents in the competition so far, but back-to-back wins over Tottenham and Liverpool surely serve to highlight their credentials.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said last week that one team had been better than his team so far this season, in reference to Arsenal, and the Gunners were back above the champions after the victory.
Arteta also received praise on Twitter from former England striker Gary Lineker after the game.
“Another wonderfully entertaining Premier League football game,” he wrote. “Mikel Arteta is doing a brilliant job with this exciting young team.
Arsenal are being rewarded for their patience and trust in their coach. Other clubs are taking note. It takes time to build a team.”
Another wonderfully entertaining Premier League football game. Mikel Arteta is doing a brilliant job with this exciting young team. @Arsenal are being rewarded for their patience and trust in their manager. Other clubs are taking note. It takes time to build a team.October 9, 2022
Liverpool have been building their squad for a long time and Jurgen Klopp celebrated his seventh birthday at Anfield this week.
But it’s a tricky time for the Reds, with injuries taking their toll and player numbers well below their best in 2022/23.
After challenging on four fronts last season and winning two trophies while narrowly missing out on the Premier League and Champions League, the current campaign has so far been a hopelessly disappointing one for Liverpool.
Klopp’s side collected just 10 points from a possible 24 in their worst Premier League start in a decade and also lost 4-1 to Napoli in the Champions League recently.
Many fans felt the decisions went against their side on Sunday as a Gabriel handball went unpunished in the area in the first half and another controversial call saw Arsenal awarded their penalty late.
But ultimately, Liverpool haven’t been good enough this season and may struggle to catch up even at this early stage.
