Theo Walcott claims Arsenal have been the 'best team in Europe during 2015' - he's wrong

The Gunners made a late charge for the Premier League title but look almost certain to fall short

Theo Walcott (GETTY IMAGES)

Theo Walcott has claimed that since the turn of the year Arsenal have been the best team in Europe.

Since losing to Southampton of the first day of 2015, the Gunners have moved from sixth in the table to mathematically Chelsea's closest challengers for the title.

They've also beaten Manchester United and then Reading at Wembley to reach the FA Cup final for a second successive season.

So the basis for Walcott's claims are understandable.

This is what he said: "I think, especially this season, not many people thought we would be challenging for the Premier League.

"In this calendar year, we have been the best team in Europe. It is the strongest the squad has been and everyone is staying fit as well.

"There aren't many injuries in the squad, which is important. If we had an injury-free season, I think we could lift the title."

So is he right - are Arsenal the best team in Europe in 2015?

We've look across the top five leagues in Europe to find the answer and can reveal that whilst Arsenal have been excellent this calender year, they've not been the best. That title goes to La Liga leaders and Champions League semi-finalists Barcelona.

Lionel Messi and Neymar (Getty Images)

Having played 18 games since the turn of the year, Barcelona have won 15 of them to give them a points per game total of 2.56.

Arsenal have played 14, winning 11, giving them a points per game total of 2.43.

It's enough to put Arsene Wenger's team in second place, ahead of the like of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Juventus. But it's not quite good enough to back up Walcott's claim.