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Arsenal have become the sixth team to win their first six Premier League games in a calendar year – the last three have won the title
It was a good start to 2024 for Arsenal.
A sixth straight win in the Premier League, 25 goals scored in the run and just three conceded – they are in the title race and appear determined to stay there.
The Gunners were of course in a similar position last year before their challenge failed, but they are showing a hunger and resilience that suggests they are determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
“We are living the dream,” Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard told TNT Sports as his side sat two points behind leaders Liverpool in third place.
“We all dreamed of being here. You see every week how competitive it is and that’s where we want to be – we want to fight for trophies.”
While Arsenal have won every Premier League game in 2024, they lost to Porto in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 in midweek, conceding a goal in stoppage time.
“They seem to be a team who are really upset with their performance during the week. Their pressing and intensity was great – they were in the lead straight away,” said former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.
“The key is to make sure fear doesn’t creep in, that would be easy. But at the moment there is no sign of that.”
“They have become a very efficient team and unit.”
Odegaard added: “The year before we missed the Champions League and came back stronger. We missed out on a title last season and now it’s time to show we’ve learned – every time we play we’re so excited.”
Arsenal's record year 2024 – the statistics
- Arsenal are the sixth team to win their first six Premier League games in a calendar year and the last three have won the title.
- Their tally of 25 goals from six games is the most scored by a team in the Premier League since the start of a calendar year.
- For the first time in their history, Arsenal have started a calendar year with six consecutive league wins.
- Bukayo Saka has scored in five consecutive league games for the first time in his career.
- He is the first English player since Ian Wright to score in five consecutive Premier League games for Arsenal (7 between September and November 1994).
- They are the first team in Premier League history to score more than two goals in seven consecutive halves of football.
- Arsenal's 27 set-piece goals this season (including 8 penalties) are the most in a single league season since Opta began recording such data in 2004/05.
“World class” Saka is the pioneer
The key to Arsenal's impressive performances and results in 2024 has been the form of Bukayo Saka.
The England striker scored the Gunners' third goal, taking his tally to 16 in all competitions this season.
It was also the fifth consecutive Premier League game in which he scored, while he also scored two braces in the series – in the 6-0 win at West Ham and the 5-0 win at Burnley.
“These moments are what will make him a world-class player one day,” Ferdinand added.
“He is a fantastic young player with a brilliant mindset and that is why he delivers consistently.”
Asked if he was described as “world class,” Saka said: “No comment.”
“I’m happy about another goal today and especially about the win.”
“I work hard every day and do my best. Of course I have great teammates who give me good passes, which also helps.”
“We've worked hard and there's a lot of quality for the future and now it's starting to click – we just have to keep going.” [form].”
Preparing for “one of the best title races”
The win puts Arsenal one point behind defending champions Manchester City, who are second, and two points behind leaders Liverpool.
With twelve games remaining, it's shaping up to be a tense and tense title race.
“What a confrontation we are about to face,” said former Scotland international Ally McCoist.
Former shooter Ian Wright added of the day's match: “It's looking good. They learn from last season, they just have to keep doing what they're doing. Arsenal are scoring goals left, right and centre.”
“Arsenal feels different this year and I think they will do their best and push Liverpool and Manchester City. It will be one of the best title races in a long time.”
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown added: “The standards make it a must to win every week.”
“There are 12 games left and you have to win every single one – there are some big games coming up.”
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Arsenal 4-1 Newcastle: Incredible Gunners 'a joy to watch' – Arteta
However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is determined to stay grounded.
“We're really happy, we have to keep doing the things we do well,” he said.
“There are still things we can do better and us bringing big players back from injury is a big boost.”
“Against Porto we were with the ball ourselves, but not without the ball. That was a big lesson and you learn a lot from these moments.”
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