Three reasons why Arsenal will win the title

Having played one of its better first halves to a domestic season in recent years, Arsenal opened the New Year in stride by notching a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on the strength of a late goal from Laurent Koscielny. Those who watched the match know that it wasn’t actually a very impressive display by the Gunners, but it was a win in the rain to unofficially kick-off the second half of the season, and that’s good enough for continued optimism.

As a result of the win, the Gunners moved two points clear in sole possession of first place in the Premier League. It now feels almost strange to recall that at the outset of the 2015/16 campaign Arsenal were the third favourites in the league betting markets after Chelsea and Manchester City. That line-up seemed fair enough at the time given Chelsea’s strength in 2014/15 and Man City’s relentless offensive consistency in the past several seasons. But through nearly five months of league play, Man City has looked a shade of its formerly dominant self, and as we all know Chelsea has experienced an unprecedented fall from grace. But in addition to those fortunate circumstances, there are a few more reasons Arsenal now appears primed for a title-besides their play on the field.

1. Reinforcements are on the way

It’s the time of year for reinforcements to arrive from the outside, and there’s talk of some imminent deals from Arsene Wenger. But transfer talk aside, the club also has a significant amount of talent returning from injury. Jack Wilshere will be out a while longer and it may be for the best that he simply remains on the sidelines at this point. But Alexis Sanchez is healthy, Santi Cazorla is expected back by the end of the month, and Danny Welbeck and Francis Coquelin will be back not long after that. Of course anything can happen but given those coming returns, the Gunners could be unusually healthy for the stretch run.

2. The schedule is favourable

There’s no such thing as an easy schedule in the Premier League, but where the most difficult opponents are concerned, Arsenal couldn’t be in much better shape. By the end of January, the Gunners will already be done with Liverpool and Chelsea (and will have had the chance to play Chelsea the Emirates before the Blues really have a chance to get in a rhythm under Guus Hiddink). The only remaining match with second-place Leicester City is at the Emirates, and three of the final five matches will be there as well. If there’s on major issue with the schedule, it’s that Arsenal has to travel to Manchester City on May 7th for the second-to-last match of the season. But if the Gunners take care of business between now and then, even that could be too late for Man City to make much use of it.

3. The Champions League is an unlikely distraction

It seems counter-intuitive to discuss Arsenal’s outlook so optimistically only to dismiss their chances in the Champions League, but a Round of 16 draw against Barcelona certainly doesn’t inspire much confidence. Arsenal is capable of making this a tight pairing, but the likeliest outcome is that the Gunners will be through with the Champions League play by mid-March. That would allow for full focus on the quest for a domestic title, which this season looks to be a far more realistic goal.

It’s been quite clear of late that Arsenal is playing as well or better than any other Premier League club. But form aside, these are pure circumstances that put the Gunners in terrific shape.