Take a look at the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds right now and you will see that leaders Arsenal and reigning champions Manchester City are closely matched.
That is no surprise, given that the Gunners have only lost two league games to date, while City’s pedigree is clear – they have been here, got the t-shirt and, more often than not, come out smiling.
So, after the January transfer window opened and closed, did one of these title rivals grab a Premier League edge?
Well, yes, I thought so.
In fact, I said as much when the window shut and the challengers from North London seemed to have strengthened, while the relentless champions from Manchester seemed to have been weakened.
My view was based on the decision to allow Joao Cancelo to head on loan to Bayern Munch.
Sure, the emergence of promising youngster Rico Lewis has clearly affected Cancelo’s game time but, I argued, no-one genuinely thought the Portuguese full-back, arguably the best in the top flight last season, would be allowed to leave.
My view was increased, somewhat, when City promptly went down to Spurs five days later.
At the same time as City were saying farewell to one of the architects of their success last season, Arsenal were strengthening their numbers.
In came an Italian international for £12 million in Jorginho, scooped from Chelsea, hot on the heels of the arrival of Leandro Trossard from Brighton.
Solid rather than spectacular additions, granted, but additions nevertheless to a squad which, in my opinion, lacks the depth of most of the established ‘big six’.
Of course, since the transfer window closed, City bounced back from their reverse at Spurs to see off Aston Villa with plenty to spare on Sunday, while Premier League highlights have been harder to come by for the Gunners who went down to Everton and were then held at home by Brentford at the weekend.
Where does that leave the top two, other than a three point advantage for the leaders with a game in hand?
Well, for me, the loss of ex-City man Gabriel Jesus has been a massive blow for Arsenal and his return could yet prove to be a key difference.
Likewise, after Cancelo headed to Germany, an injury to one of City’s other key men could be one obstacle even the serial champions cannot overcome.
I have felt since last summer that allowing Jesus and Raheem Sterling (to Chelsea) depart would leave them thin on resources in attack should the phenomenal scoring machine Erling Haaland get injured.
That appears to be a possibility ahead of the clash at the Emirates on Wednesday night.
Of course, City have a talented Argentine in reserve in Julian Alvarez who has fared reasonably well, despite not too much game time this season.
Now the squad depth of both sides is truly about to come to the fore.
Remember, these two have already faced each other recently, in the FA Cup, when Pep Guardiola’s men beat the north Londoners as both sides made a number of changes.
This week’s highly anticipated match will be a more intense affair and is arguably Mikel Arteta’s biggest game in charge since he took the reins at Arsenal in late 2019.
If the Gunners extend their advantage over City to six points (with a game in hand) this week, they will be clear favourites.
Should Guardiola’s side defeat Arsenal, the reigning champions would move above the leaders due to their superior goal difference.
Few would argue that City’s starting XI is the best in the country.
As it stands, though, the squad with the most depth and clearest run from injuries is likely to prevail in the overall race.
Could the January window have just given Arsenal an edge? I wouldn’t bet on it either way right now.
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