Debate over Arsenal's style masks an undeniable march toward greatness | Barney Ronay

"Right now Arsenal are 19 games from all-time status. They don't have to win them all. They may need only repeat their results of the past 19 games: one defeat and 14 wins. At which point Mikel Arteta's Arsenal would become the first English winners of the quadruple."

"There are two remarkable things about this Goat-curious Arsenal team. First, the basic arc. Arsenal have won one domestic trophy since 2017. They have to this point been cast as anti-winners, mental-block merchants, although this may change very quickly now."

"The table-topping team, favourites in the Champions League, are widely considered to be some kin[d of underestimated force], with much of the discussion around the team dominated by peripheral aspects rather than recognition of their fundamental quality."

Arsenal currently stand on the brink of historic achievement, needing only to match their recent form—one defeat and 14 wins across 19 remaining games—to become the first English winners of the quadruple. This would place Mikel Arteta's team among football's all-time greats alongside legendary sides like Cruyff's Ajax and Messi's Barcelona. The remarkable aspect of this potential accomplishment is the contrast between Arsenal's current dominance and their historical narrative as underachievers since 2017. Despite being table-toppers and Champions League favorites, the team remains widely underestimated by observers, with much discussion focused on peripheral aspects like their corner-taking prowess rather than their overall excellence.

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