Pundit believes Mikel Arteta has solved major ‘problem’ after watching Arsenal beat West Ham

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Pundit Steve Nicol has noticed three clear improvements Arsenal have made since the start of the season.

The Gunners took a significant step forward in the early stages of the Premier League title race, capitalising on Liverpool’s two defeats. 

After Arsenal’s late win over Newcastle United, it was integral to keep the momentum going as West Ham visited the Emirates. 

Martin Zubimendi ran the show as Arsenal beat the Hammers 2-0 on matchday seven, a result that sees Mikel Arteta’s side top the table heading into the international break. 

Steve Nicol praises Arsenal’s growth in the Premier League title race

It was an afternoon to remember for Arsenal, not only due to the three points. 

Taking top spot in the title race was essential as Liverpool appear to have hit a wall early into the season.

The title race was blown wide open when Chelsea beat Liverpool, and this time, things could be on Arsenal’s side.

Analysing the action from matchday seven on ESPN FC, pundit Steve Nicol noted three changes he’s noticed from Arsenal this term.  

“This Arsenal side look a little different, they certainly look way more experienced, way stronger, way more organised,” Nicol said.

The former Liverpool player then shared his view that, unlike in the past, Arsenal won’t fear leading the Premier League table.

“I don’t believe that this Arsenal side will have a problem being chased,” he said.

The 2022/23 season was a painful one for the Gunners, who led the table for 248 days, only to be undone on the home straight to see Manchester City win the prize.

Arsenal missed out narrowly in 2023/24 and last season, Liverpool were unstoppable, with Arteta’s team now seeming to be more ready than ever to ditch their runners-up title.  

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	ArsenalArsenal	7	5	1	1	14	3	11	16
2	LiverpoolLiverpool	7	5	0	2	13	9	4	15
3	TottenhamTottenham	7	4	2	1	13	5	8	14
4	BournemouthBournemouth	7	4	2	1	11	8	3	14

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games compared to Liverpool

It’s still so early into the season, making talk about the Premier League title race almost bizarre.

That being said, the table is taking shape, and it’s impossible to ignore that Arsenal and Liverpool are standing out as the protagonists once again.

The international break has arrived at a frustrating time for both sides, but when play resumes, the challenges continue. 

Arsenal will want to set the pace as leaders, but will have to overcome challenging fixtures against Fulham and Crystal Palace when the international break is over.

Those games are followed by clashes with newly promoted Burnley and Sunderland, and then a North London Derby.

Liverpool similarly have some tests to overcome, with Manchester United to visit Anfield on matchday eight.

The race is firmly on, and all Arsenal have to do is keep on winning – if only it were that simple.