Arsenal tops the list but is still not favored! Can they maintain their championship status in the winter window? The reinforcement plan is coming

Arsenal’s name is once again written on top of the Premier League list in the new season. With eight wins, two draws and one loss, the offense and defense are balanced, and the young players continue to grow. It seems that everything is sliding towards the "year of championships". But the irony is that the more they lead, the more cautious and restrained the Arsenal team appears. Saka publicly stated "not talking about the championship" and Arteta repeatedly emphasized that "the season is long." Is this confident restraint or a hidden worry deep in his heart? The answer may be hidden in Arsenal's long-discussed "shortcomings list."

In the past two seasons, Arsenal has gradually matured at the top of the list, but has never been able to complete the final sprint. It's not because the system is not stable enough, but the "bench gap" at critical moments is still difficult to ignore. The lead this season is the result of following the trend, rather than a manifestation of absolute dominance.

Over-reliance on Saka and Odegaard on the offensive end, and insufficient changes at the bench level, always make the team appear heavy in the intensive schedule; Thomas is frequently injured, and the risk of midfield interruptions has not been eliminated. If it is not repaired in time in the winter window, this leading Arsenal may still repeat the mistakes of the previous two years.

Therefore, for Arteta, the winter window is not only a reinforcement node, but also the last window to "complete the championship puzzle". Introducing a mature midfielder at position 8 can share organizational tasks with Odegaard; finding an impactful winger can maintain the threat on the right when Saka's physical fitness declines; and introducing a more stable end point at the center position will also provide Arsenal with sharper offensive options. Every signing is to prevent the team from tying its destiny to the status of "first-line main force".

The real champion never relies on eleven people fighting to the end, but relies on the entire team to maintain strength throughout the long game. Arsenal are already at the top of the list, but they have not yet secured their throne; they already have the attitude to compete for the championship, but they lack the final thickness. The winter window operations in the next few weeks will determine whether this young gunner will continue to chase their dreams on the cusp of the storm, or finally leave their name at the top of the Premier League. Arsenal have reached that "must win once" moment. And the winter window is the door leading to the championship.

(Shopkeeper Luo)