Arsenal lost just once in their opening 10 Premier League games to firmly establish themselves as favourites for the title, with even the wider betting markets and football free bet offers reflecting growing belief in Mikel Arteta’s side. For a club that has so often promised much before falling short, the early signs this season suggested something different — something more durable.

The Gunners have finished third in the Premier League for the last three seasons in a row, playing bridesmaids to Manchester City twice before ending up runners-up to Liverpool last year. Each campaign followed a familiar pattern: bright starts, attractive football, and then a wobble when the pressure began to bite. This time, however, the opening months hinted that Arsenal were finally ready to break that cycle.

A 2-0 win over Burnley on gameweek 10 left Arteta’s men seven points clear of Bournemouth and Liverpool. It was a commanding cushion and one that felt significant, not just in terms of the table but in what it said about Arsenal’s maturity. Control, patience and efficiency were replacing the emotional highs and lows that had previously defined their title pushes.

That gap has since been cut to just three points following draws with Sunderland and Chelsea, as well as a defeat to a flying Aston Villa side. Manchester City are now firmly back in the picture, just two points behind, and the looming festive schedule threatens to be a real examination of Arsenal’s credentials. This is the period where City have historically tightened their grip on the league — and where challengers have often faltered.

Arsenal are not heading into this run as the league’s most in-form side, but they are learning to grind. That may not excite supporters in the same way as free-flowing victories, but it is often the difference between contenders and champions. The mistakes of previous seasons — poor runs of form, failing to beat teams they should, and allowing doubt to creep in — are now easier to identify and, crucially, easier to address.

Even recent wins have carried a sense of unease. Victories over Brentford (15th) and Wolves (20th) were secured without the fluency expected, particularly against the latter. Wolves, now under Rob Edwards, have managed just two points all season, and many expected Arsenal to win comfortably by four or five goals at home.

Instead, it required two own goals — including a dramatic 94th-minute deflection — to secure all three points against what could be one of the weakest Premier League sides on record at their current rate.

Yet football seasons are defined by fine margins. Just a week earlier, Arsenal were on the wrong side of late drama, conceding a 95th-minute Emi Buendía winner at Villa Park. The difference between despair and relief can be seconds, and champions are usually those who land on the right side of those moments more often than not.

That is why results against sides like Brentford and Wolves matter so much. They are not glamorous, but they are essential. Grinding out wins, even when confidence wavers or performances dip, is how league titles are won. Arsenal may not look entirely convincing at times, but they are accumulating points in a way they have previously failed to do.

Despite Manchester City creeping up quietly, Arsenal remain deserved favourites for the Premier League title based on the body of work across the season. The foundations are strong, the lessons have been learned, and the resilience is growing.

However, the margin for error is slim. A few more dropped points could quickly swing momentum back into Pep Guardiola’s favour — and Arsenal know better than anyone how unforgiving that chase can be.

For now, though, the Gunners are still standing. And if they continue to find ways to win when things aren’t perfect, that may finally be the habit that delivers the prize they have been chasing for so long.