Arsenal remain unbeaten this season without having fielded their best XI in any match â could this be the mark of a winning team?
For 20 years, Arsenal fans have been saying, “Maybe next season will be ours.” Now, former Arsenal player Adrian Clarke suggests that the 2024-25 season might finally bring victory to the Emirates Stadium.
The North London club has delivered results, staying undefeated after seven games with five wins and two draws. Clarke acknowledges that this is impressive, especially because Arsenal hasnât yet shown their best form. He thinks itâs significant that Mikel Arteta hasnât played his strongest team, and that should worry opponents, as the squad has even more potential. Despite the difficulties Arsenal has encountered, Clarke believes theyâve persevered and performed well, even in tough matches, without their best players.
âWhatâs most exciting for Arsenal supporters is the fact Arteta hasnât had a chance to pick his strongest XI yet,â Clarke wrote in his column for talkSPORT.
âWhen Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and Martin Odegaard form his central midfield, thereâs every chance the team will find another gear.
âItâs strange because so much of the season so far has not gone to plan for the Gunners. At times, itâs felt like setback central.
âYet with three of the toughest fixtures already out of the way and key players on their way back, I feel more bullish than ever about Arsenalâs chances of finally winning the Premier League.â
While Clarke praises Arsenalâs achievements so far, he notes that Arteta may have to wait longer to field his best team due to Odegaardâs reported injury setback. Nevertheless, itâs clear this team can win even without their top players, which is remarkable.
