Results show we have taken our eye off the ball, but now Reds can relax and Slot back into giving Klopp perfect send-off

GUNNERS HAVE THE BACKBONE NOW

ARSENAL are top of the table and, with four games to go, they’re genuine contenders.

They’ve been absolutely great value to get there and, if Mikel Arteta manages to pull it off, there’ll be a nod to the teachings of Pep Guardiola, for sure.

First, they face a North London derby that could potentially make or break their title dreams.

But if they rely on what’s got them here, they’ll have their biggest chance of a first Premier League in 20 years – and that’s a strong spine.

From David Raya, through William Saliba and Gabriel, to Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard and on to Kai Havertz – every successful team needs a powerful backbone and Arteta’s built this team around one.

And, while Arsenal are certainly their own team, Arteta’s followed Guardiola’s lead in two key areas.

Aaron Ramsdale’s ability isn’t in doubt and no one’s questioning his credentials or saying he’s been a car crash.

But, in Raya (right), Arsenal have a top keeper who is so much better with the ball at his feet.

Much the way Guardiola sidelined Joe Hart, Arteta has made Raya his No.1 and stuck to his guns.

It’s paid off, too. Having a goalkeeper who can play out from the back, like Alisson or Ederson, isn’t the be all and end all, nor is it absolutely pivotal to winning the league.

But it puts defenders and other team-mates at ease when you have a keeper who can take the ball with his feet and have a range of passing from the back that’s like an added outfield player.

Secondly, Pep started experimenting with a false nine some years before Erling Haaland became the focal point of the team. To some degree, Arteta has