Be honest, who expected that?
For all the pre-match buildup focusing on the clash between Arteta and Simeone’s defensive systems, Arsenal romped home to a comprehensive 4-0 victory.
Whilst the scoreline flattered Arsenal somewhat, it is still a statement of intent from the North Londoners.
Last season, Arsenal were the underdogs. Playing well, but never the favourites domestically nor in Europe.
This season though?
Arsenal are the team to beat.
Arteta’s men have mastered the art of defending. High up the pitch, they suffocate the opposition through an organised and relentless press.
In the middle of the park, Rice and Zubimendi are efficient in possession and rarely put their teammates in risky situations unnecessarily.
When under pressure themselves, they excel at sitting deep and restricting goalscoring opportunities. Balls into the box are easily dealt with by Gabriel and Saliba, and not many wingers can trouble either Timber or Calafiori in one-on-one situations.
Many teams across Europe are strong defensively, but what sets Arsenal apart is their fluidity going forward. Their attacking play is the factor that has significantly improved since last season; they’re creating more chances and their movement in the final third feels sharper and less predictable.
There is variety in their attacks – overlaps, cutbacks and a notorious presence from set-pieces. Ten goals from dead-ball situations by October tells their own story – this is a team that can hurt you in any number of ways.
The lingering doubt over Arsenal is their recent inexperience in carrying the burden of being favourites. There’s no smoke without fire when it comes to the ever-present talk of Arsenal’s tendency to fall just short.
Last season was relatively pressure-free for Arteta’s team as Liverpool carved out an early lead in the league and they were never billed as favourites to win in Europe.
This season is different – they are among the favourites to win both the Premier League and Champions League. How they handle that weight of expectation will define whether they can convert their early promise into silverware.
The Challengers – PSG
PSG remains the European benchmark until proven otherwise.
They’ve had a relatively slow start to the campaign; treating the early months almost as an extended pre-season with heavy rotation, patience with injuries and an overall long-term approach.
Last night’s 7-2 demolition of Bayer Leverkusen was a return to form for the defending champions and a frightening reminder of just how absurd the individual quality in this squad is.
If Luis Enrique manages to get his players to buy in and sacrifice for the team the way they did last year, PSG should still be seen as one of the top favourites in every competition they enter.
Barcelona
Barcelona are thrilling, but fragile.
The goals have kept flowing despite a worrying injury list. Fermín López, himself only having recently returned from injury, grabbed a hat-trick against Olympiacos.
However, their high defensive line continues to look vulnerable. It cost them in last season’s semi-finals against Inter Milan, and Hansi Flick doesn’t look any closer to changing his approach.
With Yamal, Raphinha and Lewandowski all nursing recurring fitness issues, Barcelona’s season already looks precarious.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid have the best player in the world in Kylian Mbappé, but the rest of the machine isn’t fully tuned yet. Xabi Alonso’s emphasis on control has improved their structure, but too much still depends on individual brilliance. Their heavy defeat to Atlético exposed lingering weaknesses, though Vinícius’ recent uptick in form offers optimism.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich are again ruthless. Harry Kane and Michael Olise have hit the ground running, and the team looks like the relentless, efficient unit we’ve come to expect. They haven’t faced their toughest opponents yet, but the signs are ominous for anyone standing in their way.
Manchester City
Manchester City have had a few sluggish performances early in the season but have gradually improved. When it comes to goals, though, they’ve been completely reliant on Haaland, who’s scored almost all of their goals so far. They’re no longer the untouchable force of old, and right now, City seem more like contenders than certainties.
Liverpool
Liverpool are the ultimate unknown, both in Europe and in the Premier League.
On paper, they’ve got the strongest squad. But as Brian Clough once quipped, football isn’t played on paper.
Slot’s men don’t just look out of form, they look out of sorts. The forwards aren’t on the same wavelength, the midfield is unorganised and the defence is far from impenetrable.
The famous Anfield fortress factor is waning, with even Manchester United coming away with three points for the first time in a decade.
If they return to form, Liverpool will be dangerous, but with such fine margins in title races and European competitions; time is not on their side.
There are fine margins separating Europe’s elite. But no side right now combines balance, control, defensive stability and a consistent goal threat like Arsenal.
They have shown they can win in multiple ways, score from every scenario, break down the most stubborn of defences and comfortably deal with world-class attackers.
Right now, Arsenal are the best team in Europe.
But will they finish the season with silverware?
Only time will tell.
