For Arsenal, it was the start of 2024.
They won six consecutive games in the Premier League, scoring 25 goals and conceding only three. They are in the title race and seem determined to stay there.
Of course, the Gunners were in a similar position last year before their challenge failed, but they have shown a hungry spirit and resilience that shows they are determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
“We are living the dream,” Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard told TNT Sports as they moved into third place, two points behind leaders Liverpool.
“We've all dreamed of coming here. Every week we see how competitive it is, but that's where we want to be. We want to fight for trophies.”
Arsenal won all their matches in the 2024 Premier League, but they lost to porto They conceded a goal in stoppage time in the first leg of the Champions League, which was held in midweek to advance to the last 16.
But they fought back brilliantly by scoring four goals. 4-1 win against Newcastle Saturday.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand said: “They seemed really shaken by their performance in midweek. Their pressing and intensity was great. They got on the front foot right away.”
“The important thing is to not let fear creep into them. It's easy to do that. But there is no sign of that at the moment.
“They are now a very efficient team and unit.”
Odegaard added: “Last year we missed out on the Champions League but we came back even stronger. Last season we missed out on the title but now it's time to show what we've learned. Every time we play. We are very excited,” he added.
Arsenal's record-breaking 2024 – statistics
- Arsenal won their first six Premier League games of the calendar year, becoming the sixth team to win the title in their last three.
- Their record of 25 goals in six games is the most for any team to score since the start of the Premier League calendar year.
- For the first time in their history, Arsenal started a calendar year with six consecutive league wins.
- For the first time in his career, Bukayo Saka has scored in five consecutive league games.
- He is the first English player to score in five consecutive Premier League games for Arsenal since Ian Wright (seven between September and November 1994).
- They became the first team in Premier League history to score two or more goals in seven consecutive halves.
- Arsenal's 27 set-piece goals this season (including eight penalty goals) are the most in a single league campaign since Opta began recording such data in the 2004-05 season.
'World class' Saka takes the lead
The key to Arsenal's impressive performance and results in 2024 was Bukayo Saka's form.
The England forward scored the Gunners' third goal, taking his tally to 16 in all competitions this season.
This was also his fifth consecutive Premier League game in which he scored, during which he also hit two doubles in a 6-0 win at West Ham and a 5-0 win at Burnley.
“Those moments are what motivate him to become a world-class player one day,” Ferdinand added.
“He's a great young player with a great mindset and that's why he's been so consistent.”
Asked about being called “world class,” Saka said, “No comment.
“I'm happy to score again today, and most importantly I'm happy to win.
“I work hard every day and try my best. Of course, I have great teammates who give me good passes, so that helps too.”
“We've been working hard and there's going to be a lot of quality improvement going forward and it's starting to click now. We'll just keep doing it.” [form]. ”
Get ready for “one of the best title races”
Arsenal's victory leaves them one point behind defending champions Manchester City in second place and two points behind leaders Liverpool.
With 12 matches remaining, it is shaping up to be an exciting and tense title race.
Former Scotland international Ally McCoist said: “What a clash it will be.”
Former captain Ian Wright said of Match of the Day: “They're looking good. They've learned from last season but they just keep doing what they have to do. Arsenal are playing left, right and centre. “I'm scoring goals,” he added.
“Arsenal have a different feel this year and I think they'll do everything they can to push Liverpool and Manchester City forward. It's going to be one of the best title fights for a long time.”
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown added: 'By standards we have to win every week.
“We have 12 games left and we have to win them all. We have some big games coming up.”
However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is determined to stay.
“We're really happy. We have to keep doing what we're doing well,” he said.
“There are still things we can improve on and we've got some big players coming back from injury, so that's a big boost.”
“Against Porto, we had the ball, but we never didn't have the ball. That was a big lesson and you can learn a lot from that moment.”