Arsenal’s steady climb continues, and their latest 1-0 victory over Fulham extended their winning streak to six matches in all competitions. It was not the prettiest display at Craven Cottage, but as Jamie Redknapp described it, it was a “huge result” for a side learning how to win when it matters most.
However, the celebrations came with a reminder of how thin the margins are at this level: Arsenal are now top of the Premier League table, full of momentum, but also missing a key creative figure. Captain Martin Ødegaard is currently sidelined after sustaining a knee ligament injury in early October as per the BBC.
Yet despite this setback, the Gunners still look like a side growing in resilience, depth and ambition. Next up in the Premier League is a home match against Crystal Palace on Sunday 26 October, and Arsenal will head into that fixture determined to keep the run alive and extend their lead at the top.
The engine room driving Arsenal’s rise
Even in Ødegaard’s absence, Arsenal’s mid-field and creative engine remains firing. Declan Rice continues to set the tone. His £105 million move the previous summer was questioned by many, but few signings in recent memory have delivered this much consistency and control. His presence at the base of midfield has been transformatie – breaking up play, launching attacks, and adding goals when it matters most.
With Ødegaard out, other players have stepped up. The likes of Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi are getting more opportunities to influence games, and the fact Arsenal have a plan B despite losing their captain speaks volumes about squad depth.
Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori’s emergence at left-back has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the season so far. Reborn in that role after being out for some time through injury, the Italian has given Arsenal balance, strength and an attacking outlet down the flank. His defensive awareness combined with his ability to drift into midfield has allowed the team to control matches more efficiently, limiting opponents’ space and forcing errors.
With players like Myles Lewis‑Skelly, Eberechi Eze and Ethan Nwaneri also contributing valuable minutes, Arsenal’s rotation is finally working. The days of one injury derailing momentum seem to be behind them.
Defending like champions
What truly stands out from this run is Arsenal’s defensive record. The Gunners have conceded fewer goals than any other side in the league, and they’ve done it without always being at their attacking best.
Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba continue to form one of Europe’s most composed centre-back pairings, while goalkeeper David Raya has grown more commanding with every game. Against Fulham, Raya’s calm distribution and handling under pressure helped settle the side when the hosts pushed for an equaliser late on.
Manager Mikel Arteta’s defensive structure now looks bullet-proof – a far cry from the chaotic closing stages that cost Arsenal points last season.
Eyes on Crystal Palace
Attention now turns to the upcoming Premier League test at home to Crystal Palace. The Eagles are a compact, counter-attacking side, tactically organised and capable of punishing the biggest teams. They have taken points from bigger opponents and won’t be intimidated by a trip to the Emirates.
Arteta will expect a professional display from his players and may rotate slightly given the busy October fixture list. With Ødegaard unavailable, expect Eze or Zubimendi to fill the creative void. Up front, Viktor Gyökeres remains the focal point of the attack, though rumours suggest Kai Havertz may soon make his return from a knee injury, which would provide a welcome boost.
Palace tend to thrive on transitions, so maintaining defensive shape and patient build-up will be key for Arsenal. Expect the Gunners to dominate possession, control the rhythm, and force Palace into uncomfortable situations, much like they did in their 2-0 win at Selhurst Park last season.
Betting and momentum
Form-wise, Arsenal are clear favourites heading into the weekend. According to current odds and premier betting, the Gunners remain one of the most backed sides in Europe thanks to their consistency, defensive solidity and growing attacking fluidity.
But the Premier League rarely hands out easy points. Arteta knows that to stay top, Arsenal must continue treating every match like a cup final – especially with Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham all close behind.
A win against Palace would not only stretch Arsenal’s run to seven straight victories but also further solidify their claim as genuine title contenders.
Predicted line-up vs Crystal Palace
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Eze; Saka, Trossard, Gyökeres.
Score prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace.
If this really is Arsenal’s best run yet, it’s because it’s being built on balance, not just brilliance. Every player understands their role. Every win feels like part of something greater. Even without Ødegaard, the momentum, depth and belief remain intact. For the first time in a long time, Arsenal look not just ready to challenge, but to finish the job.
