[](https://yankeegooner.net/is-arsenals-success-going-into-2026-more-than-we-expected/)
Arsenal opened the 2o26 with an impressive 3-2 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta had both Gabriel, and Declan Rice, who was day-to-day prior to match day, available to provide the goals necessary to pick-up the points on the south coast. The two goals by Rice was his first-ever Premier League brace. Following the game, Rice claimed to be “gutted” for not getting the hat-trick.
So, the Gunners have won 24 matches, had 2 draws and only 3 losses in all competitions this season. The lads have scored 62 goals and allowed only 16.
Collectively, this is a squad that has very few weaknesses. Every position has strength, depth and experience, which has been instrumental in the team’s first half success, and will become even more important as the season hits the back nine. All of this due to a very strong summer signing season, plus a handsome pot of money to spend from Stan Kroenke.
Now, looking ahed, Arteta’s next five matches include Liverpool on Thursday, Portsmouth in the FA Cup on Sunday, then Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semifinals on January 14th, and Nottingham Forest on the 17th.
As you can tell, January is a very busy month with a very aggressive list of fixtures.
So, Arsenal leads both the Premier League and the Champions League tables in early January. Is this more than we expected? Probably, but who isn’t thrilled with the results so far?
COYG!
Gunner1953