Arsenal weren’t thought about as title challengers at the start of this season and therefore to have any consideration about the then-eighth-placed finishers from 2020/21 being in with a shot of the league in the last campaign seems madness. However, Mikel Arteta has instilled a belief in his side.
A process, as it is so often described, has seen the Arsenal way reach new heights under Arteta this season with a five-point lead at the top and a game in hand over title rivals Manchester City. The Gunners will know that a win over Everton on Saturday will restore that eight-point buffer over the side that knocked them out of the FA Cup last week.
However, it has become apparent that the group behind Mikel Arteta already knew they could be in this position. Some suggest that had they put into practice what the Spaniard was coaching sooner, they might not be considered surprise candidates for the league this season.
