At the beginning of the season many people were touting them to struggle to get into the top four but it has turned out very differently for the gunners. This is as a result of a change in Arsenal’s mentality coupled with some excellent business in the transfer window.

Throughout Arsenal’s trophyless run they have played some fantastic football. Arguably throughout that whole time (excluding when Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez were at united) they were the best footballing side in England but struggled with a few things that they have addressed this season.

Firstly they have been suspect at the back with Cygan, Silvestre, Gallas and most recently Vermaelen making costly errors that have limited their success.

Koscielny has also been guilty of doing that in the past (most memorably in the carling cup final) but with the calming influence of Per Mertesacker, he has become a much more assured centre back. The pair both have their weaknesses but together they compliment each others’ styles. Mertesacker and Koscielny are both very strong in the air, good at passing the ball out of defence and exhibit excellent leadership qualities. Koscielny is perhaps the best Man-Marking defender in the world and can quieten any striker in the world on his day.

They have been helped hugely too by their big summer signing; Mathieu Flamini. Jokes aside, the Frenchman has been vital to their defensive solidarity offering the type of defensive cover and tenacity that Arteta, for all his technical ability, simply can’t offer. He adds shape and discipline to a defence which has lacked both of those qualities ever since the frenchman’s previous departure to Milan in 2009.

This has allowed other players to play with freedom. New signing Mesut Ozil will surely be the signing of the season and why Real Madrid ever let him go is beyond most people’s comprehension. But he is at the Emirates and making a huge impact.

The mercurial German has started his Arsenal career with 3 goals and 4 assists in his first 7 games. His weight of pass and vision have given Arsenal’s attacks added fluidity and incision but the most important thing he has brought to the side is a winning mentality. At Real Madrid he developed an expectation of winning which he has transmitted to his Arsenal coleagues.

He has certainly inspired Aaron Ramsey whose start to the season begs the question: how good would he be if he hadn’t broken his leg against Stoke two years ago? His stats of 6 goals and 4 assists in 9 games barely do justice to how well he has played. He is playing in the same style as he was last season but seems to have been given more license to get forward (perhaps by Flamini’s presence). His shooting, dribbling and coolness on the ball have all improved and he’s beginning to learn the knack of arriving in the box just at the right time, a talent which only world class players have.

But the most unheralded performer of Arsenal’s season thus far is Olivier Giroud. He has shown that he can score goals as well as he can link up attacks. His size helps him hold the ball up and relieve pressure whilst his touches, in particular his flicks, have led to lots of Arsenal goals this season. Indeed the ‘Goal of the season contender’ against Norwich was mainly down to his fantastic first time flick through to Wilshere. His finishing is still not quite at the level of Van Persie or Suarez but his all round play is certainly up there with the best strikers in the world.

They have continued their form from the end of last season to bring up a sensational record of 20W 3D 1L in their last 24 games. In That time only Bayern Munich have a better record and Arsenal beat them 2-0 away during that run. They truly are the form team in Europe.

But before Gooners get too excited about their prospects, they need to remember a few things:

They have been so good in defence that Wojciech Szczesny has rarely been tested so far this season. He was a clear liability last term and, although he has shown signs of maturity, he is still young and rash at moments. The first goal conceded last night against Dortmund was proof of that as he anticipated wrongly and was left flat footed, allowing Mikhitarian to score.

Their squad lacks cover in central defence, in goal and up front. If any of Olivier Giroud, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny or Wojciech Szczesny get injured they are in a hole. I may even add Flamini to that list to as no player in the current squad can give the side the balance he offers, meaning they won’t compete defensively against the top sides in the league of Champions league (as exhibited against Dortmund). The January transfer window will be vital if they are to plug those gaps and assemble a squad which can really compete with Chelsea and Manchester City.

Finally there is the mental barrier that has affected Arsenal over the last few years. They have flattered to deceive year after year and often fallen away at crucial moments. Wenger will need to make sure that doesn’t happen by keeping the good feeling going and not letting the inevitable drop in form affect the team’s morale.

Despite these points of concern, Arsenal are in a very good place on and off the field. Their title challenge is very serious and they have a good enough squad to challenge in the Champions League too.

Will this season finally end their trophy drought?