Arsenal remains unbeaten in 'Big Six clashes': 'They have learned from last season'

This season has been a remarkable one for Arsenal, as they remain unbeaten in high-stakes clashes with key Premier League contenders such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur.

They've secured three victories and held their ground with four draws. Under Mikel Arteta’s leadership, Arsenal has demonstrated a formidable presence, currently topping the Premier League standings after 34 matches. However, the race remains tight, with close rivals Liverpool and Manchester City having games in hand that could alter the leaderboard.

Rio Ferdinand, the former England and Manchester United defender, has praised Arsenal's evolution from the previous season. Last year, despite leading the league for an extended period, Arsenal watched Manchester City surpass them in the crucial 33rd matchday, ultimately finishing the season five points adrift. "The strength of this Arsenal is their confidence and determination. They have learned from last season," Ferdinand commented during a TNT Sports broadcast. He also noted Arsenal's resilience in face of setbacks, such as losses to Aston Villa and Bayern Munich, highlighting a newfound maturity and composure both in coach Arteta and the players themselves. According to Ferdinand, this calm assurance is a significant advancement, though he cautions that the journey to the season's end remains lengthy.

Adding a lighter note to the analysis, Joe Cole, former Chelsea player and now a football analyst, humorously lamented over Chelsea's lackluster performance in their recent match. "I was already in the taxi on my way home, but then I got a call that I had to come back to do my job here. As a Chelsea fan, I would have thrown everything at the TV," he joked. Martin Keown, another former Arsenal defender turned analyst, playfully remarked on Cole's absence, likening it to that of the Chelsea players during the game.

Joe Cole also expressed his surprise at the intense celebration of Arsenal's victory at the Emirates Stadium, considering it somewhat excessive given that the season is far from over. "The way the victory was celebrated seemed a bit over the top to me. There are still quite a few matches left," Cole stated, bringing a note of caution to the jubilant Arsenal fans.

Looking ahead, Arsenal's next challenge is a visit to Tottenham Hotspur for the highly anticipated North London Derby next Sunday. This match promises to be another critical test of Arsenal's title credentials and their ability to maintain their leadership against fierce local and league rivals.