Arsenal Soars to Premier League Summit, Ødegaard Injury Looms

As of October 18th, 2025, it is Arsenal, not defending champion Liverpool, that enjoys a first-place hold on the English Premier League. Mikel Arteta's side has the best goal differential in the league at +11 and is second in goals scored. The Gunners will be without their captain, Martin Ødegaard, for several weeks due to a knee injury, but that stretch begins with a winnable match against 14th-place Fulham.

Arsenal's balanced attack has been led by Bukayo Saka, who has scored two goals so far this season, including a stunning strike off the opposite foot. The Gunners seek three more points against Fulham, who have struggled with just 8 goals in 7 matches. Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno, now with Fulham, is having a tough start to the season after finishing second for the club's player of the year honor in 2019-20.

Despite the loss of Ødegaard, Arsenal's midfield has been bolstered by the acquisitions of Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze, raising the technical level in the center of the pitch. This added depth will be crucial as the Gunners look to maintain their position atop the Premier League table.