Arsenal’s summer signings give Arteta tools to end Liverpool’s Premier League reign

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have come out of the international break firing, lending credence to the notion that this could finally be his year to return the Gunners to the top of the pile for the first time since the 2003/04 season of the Invincibles.

There were many, myself included, who felt the Gunners were just one quality goalscorer shy of mounting a legitimate title challenge. Enter Victor Gyökeres (give him time).

How about back-up for star attacker Bukayo Saka? Noni Madueke provides quality cover on the right, while Eberechi Eze brings plenty of flair down the other flank or even centrally. And what would a transfer window be without the addition by the former midfield strongman of – you guessed it – another central defensive midfielder or two?

The already impressive backline was also boosted with the arrival of two quality central defenders and a back-up goalkeeper.

The Spaniard can be rightfully pleased with Arsenal’s transfer business, which has added great depth and tactical flexibility to his team. It also means injuries will not derail their charge as easily as in past campaigns. Saka, William Saliba and Kai Havertz are missing from the current squad, yet the Gunners seem unfazed.

Saturday’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, under new manager Ange Postecoglou, the former Spurs boss, showcased a more clinical Gunners team who are easier on the eye as an attacking unit, yet have lost none of the defensive solidity of seasons past.

Martin Zubimendi looks the real deal, not just because of his two goals. He also brings calmness in his build-up play and control to the midfield, pressing, as well as the ability to break up opposition attacks and pierce defensive lines with his passing and carries. He’s like the north London giants’ answer to Bruno Fernandes – except that he can tackle.

Of all the signings that have arrived at the Emirates, the Spaniard could be the puzzle piece that finally takes the Gunners to the top step of the podium. His presence allows the likes of Declan Rice to bomb forward with more freedom, while easing some of the creative burden on Martin Ødegaard.

The Norwegian maestro seemed to struggle under the weight of expectations last season, especially in the absence of Saka, and will be grateful for the help. When Ødegaard went off injured on Saturday, Zubimendi’s ability to pull strings in midfield was a boon for Arteta’s side.

It must be great to be a Gunners fan right now. They are on three wins from four matches in the league so far, having scored nine goals and conceded just one. But that one was a scorcher from Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai that snatched all three points for the champions at Anfield.

It also demonstrates the next big hurdle the Gunners must clear if they are to unseat Arne Slot’s team. They have to win against their closest title rivals, especially away from home. It has been more than 11 years since the Gunners last won at Anfield in the Premier League. In fact, Arteta was in the team the last time they did it.

That simply is not good enough.

Arteta needs to learn from former boss and mentor Pep Guardiola at Man City, who always seemed to get the better of his direct rivals during City’s period of dominance in the Premier League. Such results could prove decisive in a close title battle. More than the points, those victories inflict valuable psychological scars on opponents.

Failure in this regard could leave Arteta as the nearly man of English football once more, and test the patience of Gunners fans who believe a breakthrough is just around the corner.