In recent years, the winner of the Premier League has often been the team that could go on a big win streak and build momentum during the run-in.
This year, with so many teams stuttering in the league, it could be consistency, rather than momentum, that clinches it.
The nearest challenges, Manchester City, are on a run of just one win in six games, and have amassed fewer points than the Gunners over that run, despite Arsenal’s own rocky league form.
Even beyond that, no team looks capable of stringing together a formidable run of wins this campaign.
Arsenal have had two five-game winning streaks over the first 24 games and another run like that may be enough this time around. In a season where form is out the window, stability looks key, and Arsenal continuing to rack up points, even if there's several draws along the way, could be the difference.
One reason why it feels like there is a lack of momentum is the absence of big score lines and blowing teams away.
In recent campaigns, there were several 6-0s and 5-0s along the way that felt like statement victories to the rest of the league, but outside of the two games against Leeds United, the Gunners haven’t beaten anyone by more than three goals.
While that isn’t a defining feature in league titles, it does contribute to the nervousness around the club in attacking areas.
One positive area for momentum is the cups, having beaten Chelsea 1-0 in the EFL Cup Semi-Final at the Emirates on Tuesday night, 4-2 on aggregate, and booking a place at Wembley for the final.
Alongside that, Arsenal topped the Champions League group table with eight wins from eight and face Wigan Athletic in the 4th round of the FA Cup, looking strong on all four fronts.
The Gunners host Sunderland at the Emirates at 3pm on Saturday, with the newly promoted side sitting 8th after an impressive campaign so far.
The Black Cats took a point in the reverse fixture, so Arsenal should know the dangers that Sunderland can pose as they look to build on the 4-0 win over Leeds United last Saturday.
Share