Assessing the early contenders for the Barclays Premier League

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Arsenal

There was a toxic atmosphere in the air at the Emirates Stadium on the opening day of the Premier League season as Arsenal suffered a humbling 4-3 defeat at the hands of Liverpool. What a difference a couple of months can make! The Gunners are unbeaten in eleven games in all competitions since succumbing to Jurgen Klopp’s side and sit behind Premier League leaders Manchester City on goal difference. There is suddenly a cautious optimism in North London, with Theo Walcott rejuvenated, Shkodran Mustafi impressing at centre back, and Mesut Ozil in outstanding form, that this might just be Arsenal’s year.

However, the same frailties still haunt Arsene Wenger’s team, mainly if the current group of players have the mental strength and character to sustain their early season promise. The Gunners have a tendency to collapse in the closing stages of the season when vital fixtures come around and the pressure is on, and they will need to prove the doubters wrong if they are to secure a first league title in twelve years.