Arsenal supporters are being urged to stay cautious despite their team’s impressive start to the Premier League season.

The Gunners currently top the table with 22 points from their opening nine matches, sitting four points ahead of Bournemouth and six clear of both Manchester clubs. However, history suggests they should remain grounded.

In previous seasons, Arsenal have found themselves in similar positions early on but failed to go the distance. They had 22 points from nine games in 2013/14 and finished fourth. In 2002/03, they were on 23 points at this stage but ended up second. Even when leading the table with 24 points in 2022/23, they lost the title to Manchester City.

The North London side also collected 25 points after nine matches in 2004/05 and 2007/08 yet couldn’t secure the championship on either occasion.

The last time Arsenal won the Premier League was in 2003/04, when they had 23 points at this stage, just one more than their current total.

Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have looked strong defensively with five consecutive clean sheets and only two shots on target allowed across their last four games. Their strength in set pieces has been a major factor, and the club’s summer signings have added much-needed depth.

Arsenal famously led the league for 248 days in 2022/23 before Manchester City overtook them near the end. Fans will hope this season’s consistency and improved squad depth can finally bring the Premier League trophy back to the Emirates.