12 March 2024 , 08:04
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Ian Wright believes Arsenal are “on track” to win the Premier League title due to their impressive work in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners are top of the table thanks to eight successive wins and Sunday’s 1-1 draw between title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City. Mikel Arteta ’s side are ahead of Liverpool on goal difference and a point ahead of the defending champions with 10 matches remaining as they look for a first title since the Invincibles of 2003/04.
Arsenal are in fantastic form, having scored 33 and conceded just four goals in the league in 2024, but memories of their capitulation last season temper the optimism for some fans, especially with a game against City coming up next on March 31. Arteta’s team were eight points clear at the same stage last season, but were reeled in by City, who claimed a fifth title in six campaigns by five points.
The Gunners won just four of their final 10 league games in the run-in during 2022/23, but Wright is convinced it will be different this time. Asked about last season’s problems on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football programme, Wright said: "Does this give me any concerns? No, not now.
"What's changed is David Raya, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz – three signings that have made a massive difference. You've got William Saliba, when he was out of the side last season, it had a massive effect on the whole of our right side.
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"The players will take something from what happened last season. People say those [draws] against Liverpool, Southampton and West Ham are the games that cost us and they probably were. I would have taken two wins and a draw at Liverpool out of that.
"The levels of having three draws and it is enough to take you out of the race is what you are dealing with. It is so ruthless. You can't even draw against Man City with what they are doing and the runs they can put in. Now Arsenal are more ruthless and I'm happy that it looks like they are on track."
Declan Rice has made a huge difference to Arsenal's team this season (Getty Images) HAVE YOUR SAY! Can Arsenal hold off Liverpool and Man City to win the title? Comment below.
Rice was signed from West Ham for a club-record £105million and has made a real difference to Arsenal. The England star has played every minute in the Premier League, contributing a career-high six goals and five assists from a more advanced midfield role.
Havertz cost £65m from Chelsea and his versatility has proven useful for Arteta, who has fielded him in central midfield and as a false No.9. He’s been instrumental recently, scoring in each of the last four games while recording two assists.
Raya has replaced Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal’s No.1 goalkeeper since arriving on a season-long loan from Brentford. Alongside Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, he has been a key part of a defence which has conceded just 24 times in 28 games – the best record in the league.
While they are currently focused on the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Porto, Arsenal face City in their next league game at the end of the month before fixtures against Luton, Brighton and Aston Villa. The rest of the run-in includes games against Wolves, Tottenham, Chelsea, Bournemouth, Manchester United and Everton.
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