Arsenal's belief that they can secure their first Premier League title in 21 years continues to grow stronger with each performance. Having finished as runners-up in the last three consecutive campaigns, those previous disappointments have forged the formidable team we see today.
This resilience was on full display during Sunday's North London derby, where Tottenham were comprehensively outclassed in a 4-1 victory. Summer signing Eberechi Eze was the standout performer, netting a historic hat-trick against the very club he nearly joined.
Arteta's Set-Piece Frustration
Despite the emphatic win, manager Mikel Arteta humorously revealed one point of contention. He stated he was "upset" that his side failed to score from a set-piece against Spurs. All four of Arsenal's goals originated from open play, showcasing a versatility that counters any narrative of over-reliance on dead-ball situations.
The absence of defender Gabriel Magalhaes was noted as a significant factor, given his aerial threat from corners. When questioned about his team's set-piece prowess in his post-match press conference, Arteta responded with tongue-in-cheek: "I am upset we didn't score with a set piece. I want to score with a set piece as well."
This result cemented a impressive statistic for the Gunners, who ended November with more open play goals than any other Premier League side.
Transfer Speculation Surrounding Ben White
Meanwhile, off the pitch, former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has sparked controversy by predicting a surprise summer move for Arsenal defender Ben White to their London rivals.
White, a mainstay in the Arsenal defence for much of his career, has seen his playing time drastically reduced this season. After missing a large portion of last term through injury, the 28-year-old English right-back has been displaced by the exceptional Jurrien Timber.
Wright-Phillips expressed sympathy for White, whom he described as "unbelievable" prior to his injury. He then controversially pinpointed Chelsea as a logical next destination.
"I could see a move for Ben White to Chelsea take place next summer. It makes sense, it's possible," Wright-Phillips told Best Betting Sites. "He came back and he'd lost his place to Jurrien Timber, who's the best right-back in the Premier League. It's going to take something special to unseat him now."
However, he conceded that a January transfer is unlikely, acknowledging that White provides crucial squad depth, which is one of Arsenal's key strengths.
The Title Race Heats Up
The speculation comes ahead of a pivotal London derby this Sunday, where Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge. Despite holding a six-point lead over second-placed Chelsea after 12 games, a defeat could dramatically reopen the Premier League title race, adding even more significance to this high-stakes clash.
