Arsenal have been named as the clear favourites in the Premier League title race after taking an early lead over their rivals.
It’s the fourth campaign in a row where the Gunners are seemingly in contention to lift the trophy at the end of the season, with the past few all ending in second-placed finishes.
After nine games, most teams in the Premier League look inconsistent, while Arsenal are the only team regularly performing well so far.
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Mikel Arteta has already built up a four-point lead from second, while the likes of Tottenham, Man City and Liverpool sit five, six and seven points behind respectively.
There is a feeling of change at Arsenal, one that Bukayo Saka has detailed after a busy summer for the team.
FBL-ENG-PR-ARSENAL-CRYSTAL PALACE
Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images
Bukayo Saka hails Arsenal squad depth for early Premier League title challenge
Arsenal’s injury troubles bit them hard last season, seemingly costing them a chance to compete at the very top.
A busy summer for Andrea Berta helped to change all of that, as a whole host of fresh concerns have been handled well by a deeper squad.
Saka gave plenty of praise to the whole squad, crediting them for the change in how the team has started this season.
He told Sky Sports: “This year, I feel we’re a very strong group and we’ve got a lot of quality.
“We’ve already suffered a lot of injuries, but you know, the players that have come in have shown that we can all keep the level at the top at the highest. That’s what it’s going to take for us to go all the way.
“I think that’s where we’ve slipped off in a few seasons, but this season, I think we’ve got that. And you know, it’s making me really believe we can do it.”
Arsenal’s injury issues are still persisting, with the likes of Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus all still out of action.
Despite that, all of the replacements have worked well in ensuring the Gunners can get as many points as possible.
Attention now turns to continuing that streak, with plenty of football still left to be played.
Fulham v Arsenal - Premier League
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Bukayo Saka’s injury record at Arsenal
Saka is among those players who are impacted the most by the squad depth available at Arsenal this season.
The winger has often played every minute available for the Gunners, something that may not be sustainable so early in his career.
Injuries hit the Hale End academy graduate last season, but with the ability to switch him out in some games, there is now an ability to rest him if needed.
Season Injuries Games missed
2025/26 1 6
2024/25 3 25
2023/24 2 10
2022/23 0 0
2021/22 1 1
2020/21 3 2
2019/20 1 0
Bukayo Saka’s injury history.
The big injury that impacted Saka last season could be viewed as a potential warning for the future.
As a result, having those options to help lighten the load is particularly useful to Arsenal for the future.