Arsenal have dropped just five points from their opening 14 Premier League fixtures and will sit top of the table at Christmas.
The Gunners are the only Premier League side to maintain a 100% record at home so far this season after Manchester City were beaten 2-1 by Brentford at the Etihad Stadium heading into the World Cup break. Mikel Arteta's side were able to capitalise on their rivals dropping points with a 2-0 win at Molineux against Wolves thanks to club captain Martin Odegaard's brace, moving Arsenal five points clear of the reigning champions.
Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko switched to the Emirates Stadium from City in the summer transfer window as Arteta poached his former side for two star players that helped improve Arsenal. William Saliba's impressive form after his return from a successful loan spell with Marseille has been one of the many catalysts for the Gunners leading the way in the English top-flight ahead of the second half of the season.
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Arteta will be looking to work with a number of players left at home by their respective nations over the World Cup break whilst helping develop those players looking to break into the first team and add more competition for places. The Gunners resume Premier League action on Boxing Day with a huge clash against London rivals West Ham.
For the first time since August 28, 2021 (443 days ago), City do not lead the 'Justice Table' rankings, a key statistical measure of determining where Premier League teams should be placed in the table. Arsenal have narrowly out-performed Pep Guardiola's side this season, with the Gunners having accumulated 0.14 Expected Points more than City.
Arteta will be hoping his team can continue their brilliant form after the World Cup heading into a crucial period of fixtures to start the second half of the season. The aim has always been to return to the UEFA Champions League either through winning the Europa League or finishing inside the top four, but the longer the Gunners remain top of the table, the more fans will begin to dream of a potential first Premier League title since the iconic Invincibles season 18 years ago.
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