Mikel Arteta pressure, Premier League title verdict - Arsenal end of season outcome predicted

After just three games of the campaign the Premier League is in it’s first break of the season as clubs reflect of the early season results.

The break comes just after the transfer window closing, with clubs now knowing what their squads will look like for the first half of the season. Arsenal have been active in the window with Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi among the new arrivals at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners go into the international break having picked up six points from a possible nine available points. Wins over Manchester United and Leeds United was followed by a 1-0 away defeat against title rivals Liverpool in the final game before the break.

While the early season table doesn’t mean too much, the first three games leave Arsenal in third place, behind leaders Liverpool and Chelsea in second place. The next few weeks will see the table take shape more.

Ahead of the return of Premier League football next weekend, football.london have taken a look at some of the early season predictions from pundits and what they’re expecting from Arsenal in 2025/26.

Liverpool impact

Before the match against Liverpool, former Arsenal man Paul Merson outlined the impact that the result could have on the season ahead.

“If they (Arsenal) lose, Liverpool have a massive advantage because of the fixtures they have played till now,” he said. “I always go with the comparison of the fixtures teams have played and the points they get from it.

"Even if Liverpool weren't at their best away from home to Newcastle, they still got three points. I don't expect Arsenal to do the same thing if they were in that situation!”

Dominik Szoboszlai’s free kick gave Liverpool a 1-0 win over Mikel Arteta’s side.

Gyokeres transfer

A lot of pundits are backing summer signing Viktor Gyokeres to have a big impact in a title race this season. Speaking to BBC Sport before the campaign, Leon Osman said: “I'm sure Arteta won't expect the same injury crisis defensively they had last year and with a striker now on board they could get the job done.”

Thomas Hitzlesperger added: “All of last season's top four have pros and cons but Arsenal finally have the striker they have been looking for, they didn't have the Fifa Club World Cup in the summer, plus the manager has been there for so long and has set the tone so we know what to expect from them.

“There have also been no big changes at the club or in the squad where you think that might unsettle them.”

Title prediction

While most pudits are backing Liverpool to retain their title this season, before the first game of the campaign, TalkSPORT ’s Adrian Durham went against the grain and backed Arsenal to come out on top.

“Look at Arsenal's signings and this is why I think they have got a great chance of winning the league,” he said. “I respect that there's still time in the window for others to do business, but Arsenal are always solid defensively anyway.

"They've signed Zubimendi in midfield, they've got Gyokeres to finish off the chances. I think it's going to take some effort from anybody to finish above Arsenal.

“With those signings they've made to solve the problems they had last season in terms of not winning the title, I think it's been a big summer for Mikel Arteta.”

Mikel Arteta pressure

Arsenal boss Arteta could come under pressure if he doesn’t deliver silverware this season, according to former Premier League striker Chris Waddle.

Giving his prediction to BBC Sport before the start of the season, he said: “Arsenal are strong and organised and if Gyokeres hits the ground running, they have got a very good chance of winning the title, but there is definitely pressure on Arteta this season to deliver.

“This has to be the year for him in the league because, when you spend as much as Arsenal have, you need to be able to say, 'look, there's a trophy'.”

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