Rock-solid defense

Arsenal has a lot of things going for it: a rock-solid defense, enviable squad depth and inconsistent rivals.

Its defensive numbers are astonishing, with goalkeeper David Raya, and the back four of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Margalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori unrivalled.

In 15 matches across all competitions this season, it has kept an astounding 12 clean sheets, with no goals conceded in its past seven games.

The Gunners have conceded just three goals in the Premier League, and have faced just one shot on target in their last four league matches.

Arsenal's attacking numbers are also impressive, boosted by an eye-catching 12 goals from dead-ball situations.

Only Manchester City, with 20, has scored more than its overall tally of 18 league goals.

Arsenal can also boast impressive strength in depth after an outlay of around 250 million pounds ($328 million) in the summer transfer market.

It means it has been able to shrug off a daunting injury list that includes long-term absentees Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, while Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard have all missed chunks of the season.

"This year, I feel we're a very strong group and we've got a lot of quality," England forward Saka told Sky Sports.

"We've suffered a lot of injuries already, but the players that have come in have shown that we can all keep the level at the highest, and that's what it's going to take for us to go all the way."

Neville says Arsenal, crucially, is not over reliant on any single player as it chases a 14th English topflight crown.

"Everywhere they are properly doubled up, with the same level of quality or only a small drop-off," he said. "It is the manager who just has to retain his composure and get himself over the line."

City and Liverpool, which have dominated the Premier League in recent seasons, are the only realistic challengers to Arsenal, and it would be foolish to rule either side out.

But City has been inconsistent, while Liverpool's win against Aston Villa on Saturday followed a terrible run of four straight league defeats.

"I don't think City are going to get to a level that they have previously and come back at Arsenal," said Neville.

"Pep Guardiola's a genius, but he's just not got the players in the team that are performing. Liverpool are the only team (who could challenge Arsenal), but they would have to get back on track very quickly."

AFP