Arsenal's Premier League season so far: Can Alexis Sanchez and Co actually win the title?

ANALYSIS: With the Premier League set to resume after the international break, we take a look at the Gunners' season so far...

Arsenal players acknowledge the fans at the Emirates (GETTY IMAGES)

How is it going?

A look at the table, where Arsenal can be found in second position, would suggest things have been going pretty well; but Arsene Wenger may feel frustrated that they aren't doing better. With most of their rivals either in disarray (Chelsea, Manchester City) or passing through a transition period (Manchester United, Liverpool) Arsenal in contrast are a club on an even keel. But among some excellent results, most notably the recent 3-0 win over Manchester United, there have been some unnecessary slips such as the shock defeat to West Ham and ill-disciplined 2-0 loss at Chelsea. Meanwhile, their Champions League campaign consists of two embarrassing defeats and nothing else.

Who's on the horizon?

The most notable fixtures among Arsenal's run of games before the next international break are the home and away Champions League ties with Bayern Munich. They desperately need to pick up some points from these games otherwise their European tilt will be over before Christmas. That those two matches are followed with tough looking Premier League games against Everton and Tottenham won't make things any easier for Wenger. Arsenal's next game is against newly promoted Watford, whilst they also play Swansea away in the Premier League before the end of the month and face a potentially tricky Capital One Cup tie with Sheffield Wednesday.

Who's playing well?

After a slow start, probably due to his summer exploits in the Copa America, Alexis Sanchez has been brilliant in recent matches. He scored six goals in his three matches before the international break and kept that run going whilst away with Chile with a goal against Brazil. Mesut Ozil, with four assists already this term, has rightfully been taking many plaudits. His performance in the win over Manchester United also went some way to answering questions about his ability to make an impact in the big games. Santi Cazorla meanwhile has been consistently wonderful in midfield.

Alexis Sanchez with Arsene Wenger (GETTY IMAGES)

Who's playing badly?

It would be unfair to say he's been playing badly, but despite scoring twice in Arsenal's last three games, question marks remain over Theo Walcott's ability to lead the line. Sometimes his pace looks lethal, but sometimes he's bullied out of games by defenders stronger than himself. Occasionally his finishing makes him look like Thierry Henry, more often his efforts look like punchlines delivered by Lenny Henry.

But what about the alternative option, Olivier Giroud? The Frenchman has at times felt unfairly criticised, but he's not done too much this term to state his case. That probably has something to do with Wenger giving him just three Premier League starts this term.

Aaron Ramsey has also been quiet this season, failing to score and or create a goal for anyone else.

(2015 Getty Images)

How have the summer signings settled in?

Well, there is only one signing of note, Petr Cech. After a dodgy start in that West Ham defeat, the goalkeeper has looked like the player Arsenal thought they had signed when they snatched him from Chelsea. Which makes it all the more bizarre that Wenger opted to use David Ospina in those Champions League defeats.

Anyone injured?

Laurent Kocielny should be fit again when the Premier League resumes, giving Wenger a full compliment of defenders to pick from. Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky and Danny Welbeck continue to be sidelined, but Wenger can make do.

What needs to happen?

With problems engulfing clubs around them, Wenger's decision to prioritise a settled side over star signings could turn out to be a stroke of genius. But Arsenal must dispel those lingering consistency problems and perform to their ability on a weekly basis. As much as the club will want to avoid an early exit from the Champions League, might the absence of top-quality European opposition help Arsenal focus on the Premier League? Bizarrely, elimination from Europe for a club with a history of struggling when the fixture schedule becomes congested in March, could prove a blessing.