Arsenal have reached their first major landmark in the season as domestic football takes a break mid-season for the upcoming World Cup. The Gunners have done so sitting top of the table and with a huge five point gap to Manchester City in second to show for their performances too.
They managed to extend that lead in their final game before the tournament away at Wolves, securing a huge 2-0 victory at Molineux on Saturday. A captain's performance from Martin Odegaard saw the Norwegian score a brace for the North Londoners to earn all three points.
It means Arsenal will be top at Christmas, the first time they've achieved that since 2007 and earning plenty of praise from manager Mikel Arteta. "It’s great to be where we are and we are enjoying that moment. Now we have a big break and we have to reflect on what we’re doing and be prepared for after the World Cup."
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Their start to the season has only intensified talks of a potential title push this campaign for the Reds, however, there's plenty of football still to come before then. Having already bemoaned their squad depth, Arteta could look to improve the options at his disposal with the January transfer window on the horizon.
Their form has led to former Tottenham player Jamie Redknapp to believe the side can win the title this season, but believes that transfers are still needed, saying on Sky Sports: "If Leicester can win the Premier League, why can’t Arsenal? Man City are still my favourites I still think they will win it because of the quality they have.
"I don’t think anybody would’ve put them in the top four, I look at it and they’re 14 points ahead of Man United now in fifth place. It’d be amazing if they throw it away but the Champions League would’ve been their objective, take that next step into the top four.
"They’ve got themselves into a position now where they have to believe. We use the term ‘bare bones’ injuries to key players, it will be tough, they may need to add the right player in January. If they can do that, keep players fit, anything is possible because they’re playing with so much energy and they’re a joy to watch."
It's something that former Chelsea man Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink agrees with, claiming Arteta's case for more signings is more convincing after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton in midweek.
"You want to be in every competition, it doesn’t matter. I think that [being knocked out of the Carabao Cup] will make his argument with the board even better because he’s in so many competitions," said Hasselbaink.
‘Guys, do you want me to compete in all these competitions? Give me more strength and depth.’ He’s out of it now, that might give him an answer that he doesn’t want to hear that they don’t have to invest as much in January. You want to be in every competition."
It remains to be seen if the Gunners will strengthen their ranks further in January, having traditionally avoided the window for reinforcements. However, given the start made by Arteta, that could soon be set to change.
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