Liverpool have strung together some wins, albeit against somewhat weaker opposition. Fundamentally, they still seem to be a team that will cough up a goal against everyone, and leak 2-3 against elite teams - all while struggling to score more than 1-2 goals. I can see a path to improvement if Wirtz and Ekitike can start regularly together and develop a genuinely productive partnership, with Gakpo, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, and Gravenberch chipping in. Isak is out of the picture till whenever, and Salah is a wildcard.
On the other hand, I don't necessarily see the defense improving greatly - Konate has to be relied upon for lack of any alternative, and he is a weak point. If Gomez were reliable in terms of health he might be starting - but he can't. Set pieces are a big vulnerability - perhaps that can be shored up with the recent coaching change in that area.
I can see a third place finish being possible with a little luck, and barring any unforeseen factors. But that won't be easy.
It boils down to a two-horse race with Man City, and for Arsenal the key will be maintaining their formidable defensive record. I still see Man City as favorites regardless of the current odds. But this is probably Arsenal's best season inn a decade.
On the other hand, I don't necessarily see the defense improving greatly - Konate has to be relied upon for lack of any alternative, and he is a weak point. If Gomez were reliable in terms of health he might be starting - but he can't. Set pieces are a big vulnerability - perhaps that can be shored up with the recent coaching change in that area.
I can see a third place finish being possible with a little luck, and barring any unforeseen factors. But that won't be easy.
It boils down to a two-horse race with Man City, and for Arsenal the key will be maintaining their formidable defensive record. I still see Man City as favorites regardless of the current odds. But this is probably Arsenal's best season inn a decade.
