Arsenal's players may be publicly downplaying their status as title favourites, but the belief within the camp is undeniable. Under Mikel Arteta's meticulous guidance, the Gunners are fiercely determined to end their 21-year wait for a Premier League crown this season.
Arsenal's Formidable Campaign
That conviction has translated into dominant performances on the pitch, leaving Arteta’s squad with a commanding four-point lead at the summit of the Premier League table. Their resilience was further highlighted by an incredible defensive record, going eight consecutive games in all competitions without conceding a goal, matching a club record untouched for 122 years.
This formidable form extends to Europe, where Arsenal remain one of only three teams with a perfect 100% winning record after four Champions League outings. The north Londoners are now widely seen as serious contenders for both major honours, a testament to their squad depth despite ongoing injury concerns.
Arteta's Powers of Persuasion
A key factor in this success has been Arteta's personal touch in the transfer market, as revealed by summer signing Cristhian Mosquera. The Spanish centre-half, a relative unknown when he joined for £13million, has become an unexpected linchpin.
Mosquera recounted his first conversation with the manager to The Guardian, stating, "Before I had decided, someone in my camp said, 'The moment you speak to Mikel, there’s no way he won’t convince you.' And that’s exactly how it happened. When the call finished, my destination couldn’t have been clearer."
He praised Arteta's intense, detail-oriented approach, adding, "He really lives for football... He loves the detail, sees things other eyes might not." This has paid dividends, with the 21-year-old making 12 appearances and conceding just three goals in 10 hours of action.
The Chase for Christos Mouzakitis
Arteta may soon need to deploy those same persuasive skills in a transfer tug-of-war for Olympiacos prodigy Christos Mouzakitis. The 18-year-old Greek central midfielder has rapidly become a crucial player for his club and has already earned seven senior international caps.
His composure, technical ability, and maturity have not gone unnoticed. According to reports, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Aston Villa are all tracking the teenager closely. Arsenal's interest appears particularly serious, with scouts reportedly watching him on over ten occasions this season alone. Arteta is said to be impressed with Mouzakitis's passing range and work rate off the ball.
As Arsenal prepare for a pivotal north London derby, the foundations for sustained success are being laid both on the training ground and in the transfer market, with Arteta's vision firmly at the helm.
