Can Arsenal go the distance this season?

Arsenal’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Liverpool on Sunday sparked talk the Gunners are genuine contenders for the Premier League title this season.

The result moved Mikel Arteta’s side one point clear of Manchester City at the top of the table and they increasingly look like they could give the reigning champions a run for their money.

Optimists can back the Gunners on one of the many options listed here if they fancy the team to stay ahead of City this season.

Arsenal’s eighth victory of the season was undoubtedly a huge statement of intent given Liverpool were strongly fancied to win the title before a ball was kicked.

While they have not been at their best during the current campaign, the Reds were still a team packed with top-class international players.

Arsenal took the game to Liverpool from the outset and never lost the belief that they would collect three points despite twice surrendering the lead.

Arteta told Sky Sports after the game that a lively half-time team talk kept the players focused and whatever was said clearly worked the oracle.

“I wanted to give them some encouragement and confidence the game was there for the taking,” Arteta said.

“There were obviously a few things we had to adjust and be better at – more composure and more courage to play.

“Everything was better in the second half. The organisation, the timing of the press, we won every duel and second ball. I was really happy with that.”

It is fair to say that Arsenal would have found a way not to win this type of game in the past, so the fact they achieved the feat speaks volumes about the progress they have made under Arteta.

The Gunners’ recent victory over Tottenham Hotspur highlighted they are heading in the right direction, but the result against Liverpool took things to another level.

Arsenal’s so-called ‘fragile mentality’ appears to be a thing of the past and they fully deserved to take three points from the game.

Gabriel Martinelli was outstanding for Arsenal, tormenting Liverpool’s backline in a performance that was a throwback to the wing play of yesteryear.

While Liverpool argued about the merits of the penalty award that ultimately decided the game, the 3-2 scoreline unquestionably flattered them.

With the fans at the Emirates Stadium now firmly behind the team, expectations are understandably high about what they could achieve this season.

Winning the title will not be easy, particularly with reigning champions Man City breathing down Arsenal’s necks after an unbeaten start to the campaign.

City’s summer acquisition of Erling Braut Haaland has boosted their formidable squad and staying ahead of them will not be easy.

However, the upcoming fixture list gives Arsenal every chance of still being top of the pile by the time the World Cup break comes around.

Games against Leeds United (A), Southampton (A), Nottingham Forest (H), Chelsea (A) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) should yield a healthy points return to keep Arsenal ahead of City.

Whether they would be able to keep pace with City over a 38-game season is debatable given the strength of their respective squads.

Despite their excellent start to the season, Arteta’s side still have plenty of room for improvement, particularly at the back.

They are yet to keep a clean sheet in the league at the Emirates Stadium this term and that needs to be addressed if they want to challenge for the title.

Gabriel and William Saliba have shown signs of forging a formidable partnership, but both players remain susceptible to mistakes.

Liverpool also exploited gaps in Arsenal’s midfield during the game and that openness could become an issue as the season progresses.

However, the team’s ability to put teams under pressure was clear for all to see on Sunday as they gave Liverpool’s defence a torrid time.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was all over the place before being forced off with an injury, while Gabriel Jesus caused Virgil van Dijk plenty of problems.

If Arsenal can avoid injuries to key players and tighten things up a little at the back, they are more than capable of staying in the top four.

Challenging City for the title is likely to be a step too far at this stage in their evolution, although they should finish much closer to Pep Guardiola’s side than they have in the past.

The Europa League or one of the domestic cups are Arsenal’s best chance of winning silverware this season and would represent further progress under Arteta.