In the 19th round of the Premier League, Arsenal faced Brentford away from home. Although they conceded the first goal, Arsenal managed to turn the game around with goals from Jesus, Merino, and Martinelli, securing a 3-1 victory. This winning streak of three matches has propelled Arsenal back to second place in the league. They are currently six points behind Liverpool, having played one more game. For Arteta's team to compete for the title, they must continue to win while hoping that Liverpool makes mistakes in their upcoming matches.
From the content and process of the game, Arsenal's advantage was quite evident. Although both teams had an equal share of possession, Arsenal's ability to create chances was significantly stronger. They had 14 shots on goal, scoring three times, while Brentford only managed five shots. This reflects the true gap in strength between the two sides. Despite not having a complete squad, Arteta's team still possesses competitive power in the Premier League, with a broader selection of players than Frank's.
Compared to their recent performance, Arsenal's ability to create and seize opportunities has improved since the return of Odegaard and Jesus. Currently, although there is still room for improvement in breaking through tight defenses, the team has shown progress. Jesus has scored six goals in his last four games, maintaining his form and dispelling doubts about his abilities. However, if Arsenal wants to go further, signing a true number 9 player could bring about a significant change for the team.
In recent matches, the standout player has been Thomas, the 31-year-old veteran who has excelled at both ends of the field. While Thomas may lack forward momentum in attack, his high short-passing accuracy and ability to organize play have enhanced Arsenal's midfield. Defensively, his coverage and interceptions have provided an effective shield for the backline. Arsenal's unbeaten run of nine games, with nine goals scored and only two conceded in the last three matches, owes much to Thomas' contributions.
Due to Rice's arrival and concerns over Thomas' injuries and form, many believed Arsenal should consider offloading him. The club's renewal negotiations with Thomas remain unresolved, with his current contract set to expire in half a season. Given Thomas' current performance, he deserves a new contract from Arsenal. Even if it's not for more than three years, a "2+1" contract would be a suitable choice. It remains to be seen how Arsenal and Arteta will make their decision.