Here’s a bold statement: No Premier League team has ever lifted the trophy without a player in the top 10 goal scorers. But could Arsenal be the first to break this trend? It’s a question that’s sparking debates among fans and pundits alike. The Gunners are having a season to remember, sitting six points clear at the top of the table with just two defeats across all competitions. They’ve even maintained a flawless record in the Champions League, and their progress in domestic cups—reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals and the FA Cup fourth round—is nothing short of impressive. But here’s where it gets controversial: they’re achieving all this without a consistent goal-scoring machine up front.
While Manchester City has outscored them with 40 league goals, Arsenal’s tally isn’t far behind. Yet, their top scorers, Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres, are tied at just five goals each, placing them 21st in the rankings. Gyokeres, a £64 million summer signing, has struggled to replicate his prolific form from Sporting Lisbon, where he scored 97 goals in 102 games. His recent performances, including a lackluster showing against Liverpool with only eight touches and no shots, suggest a confidence crisis. And this is the part most people miss: despite his struggles, Arsenal has only lost once when he’s started a match.
The Gunners haven’t won the league since their 'Invincibles' season in 2004, but they’re now favorites for many to end that drought. If they succeed, it would be their first major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup under Mikel Arteta. But can they do it without a 20-goal striker? History says no—the lowest-scoring top scorer for a title-winning side was Frank Lampard with 13 goals in 2004-05 for Chelsea, matched by Ilkay Gundogan in Manchester City’s 2020-21 campaign.
Arteta, however, isn’t fazed. He’s emphasized spreading goals across the team, and Arsenal has delivered with 13 different goal scorers this season—second only to Brighton’s 15. The return of Kai Havertz, who’s been sidelined for much of the year with injuries, could be a game-changer. His movement and awareness, as Arteta noted, are a joy to watch, and he could soon become the starting striker.
Here’s the controversial take: Arsenal’s success isn’t reliant on a single star. Their defensive solidity—conceding just 14 goals in 21 games, fewer than any other team—and set-piece prowess (17 goals from corners this season) make them a well-rounded threat. Even without a top-tier scorer, they’ve consistently looked like the league’s best team, with opposition managers struggling to pinpoint a weakness.
So, can Arsenal rewrite the rulebook and win the title without a regular goalscorer? It’s a question that divides opinions. While Trossard and Gyokeres would need to double their current scoring rate to reach 13 goals, the team’s collective strength and tactical versatility might just be enough. What do you think? Is a 20-goal striker essential for Premier League glory, or can Arsenal prove that teamwork trumps individual brilliance? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
