Mikel Arteta will head into 2024 understanding that his Arsenal squad have a lot of ground to make up in the Premier League.
Based on the standards over the previous two seasons, the Gunners are underperforming in the league.
Despite Arsenal finishing top of the 2024 Premier League table, Arteta’s squad have fallen behind in the 2024/25 title race, sitting nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.
Arsenal are lacking a lot of what Liverpool have, predominantly in attack, putting pressure on the North Londoners’ title hopes with 20 games to go.
Gary Lineker’s latest Premier League title race prediction
Looking at the table, it’s clear to see that Arsenal aren’t where they want to be, considering that the Gunners were top of the league at Christmas in the previous two seasons.
With Nottingham Forest and Liverpool ahead, Arteta will be hoping for a win on New Year’s Day as his side battle Brentford away from home.
Playing earlier than the Gunners, both Forest and the Reds sent a statement to the Premier League, as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side beat Everton and Liverpool thrashed West Ham.
Speaking after the weekend’s action, pundit Gary Lineker shared his stance on the title race, which makes for a painful reality check for Arsenal.
“I honestly cannot see anyone getting near Liverpool realistically,” Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast in the wake of the Reds’ resounding 5-0 win over the Hammers.
Sitting nine points, 10 goals and four wins above Arsenal, Liverpool will take some slowing down, with early results having the potential to punish Arteta.
Already, Arsenal have more draws than the entire 2023/24 campaign this season, telling of the hurdles the Gunners have failed to clear in a bid to finally win the title.
It’s clear why Lineker’s prediction is so absolute, however, with 60 points still to play for, Arsenal will not count themselves out just yet.
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Lineker predicted Arsenal to win the league
The pundit, like many others, sees one winner of the 2024/25 Premier League, and that’s Liverpool.
While the title race is taking shape to Arne Slot’s advantage, very few predicted that the Merseyside giants would be in this position prior to the season kicking off.
Lineker was one who had an opposing view of the title race, as the pundit actually thought Arteta would deliver the title this season.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 18 | 14 | 3 | 1 | 45 | 17 | 28 | 45 |
| 2 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 19 | 11 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 19 | 7 | 37 |
| 3 |  ArsenalArsenal | 18 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 35 | 16 | 19 | 36 |
| 4 |  ChelseaChelsea | 18 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 38 | 21 | 17 | 35 |
Speaking in the summer, Lineker backed Arsenal to win the Premier League, with his prediction riding on Arteta’s work in the transfer window.
“I think they might (win the Premier League title next season). Depends on who they bring in. I think Arteta has done a brilliant job,” he said.
“You can see gradual improvement season in season out. Young team, they buy into what he believes in, and they are improving. They are definitely on the right track, and I think they will go very close again next season.”
Lineker’s early call would have been echoed by many however, Arteta failed to deliver what was hoped in the summer window, leaving Arsenal short of inspiration.
Now, the title looks to be Liverpool’s to lose and only time will tell of Slot’s side hit a bump in the road.
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