Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side finds themselves in uncharted territory this week, sitting six points clear at the summit of the Premier League.
The North London club navigated a potentially tricky visit to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, emerging with a 3-2 victory over Bournemouth that showcased both their clinical attacking edge and a newfound resilience.
While the performance was not entirely flawless, the result has provided the Gunners with a significant psychological advantage as the second half of the 2025/26 campaign begins in earnest.
The significance of the result was amplified 24 hours later when Manchester City and Liverpool both failed to secure victories in their respective matches.
City’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea and Liverpool’s 2-2 stalemate at Fulham have allowed the Gunners to create a cushion that many pundits believe could be decisive.
History suggests that a six-point lead after twenty matches is a strong indicator of title success, and the mood around the Emirates Stadium is one of growing belief that a 22-year wait for a league crown may finally be coming to an end.
Looking ahead, the Gunners face a challenging January schedule that includes high-profile home games against Liverpool and Manchester United.
If Arsenal can maintain their current momentum through these fixtures, the title race could quickly transform into a procession.
However, Arteta remains a vocal advocate for humility, repeatedly reminding his players and the media that there are still eighteen games to play and plenty of opportunities for the landscape to shift once again.