Jan 23, Kathmandu- Arsenal full back Oleksandr Zinchenko said at the start of the English Premier League that some of his own teammates did not believe the club could win the title. They used to laugh at Zinchenko. However, the same friends who made Zinchenko a laughing stock are now starting to believe that the North London club Arsenal can win the title.

Ukraine defender Zinchenko joined Arsenal from former champions Manchester City at the beginning of this season. Zinchenko won the title four times with City. Zinchenko has played an important role in Arsenal's winning journey.

After defeating traditional rivals Manchester United 3-2 last night, Arsenal managed to take a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League. Arsenal has played one game less.

"To be honest, I had just arrived at Arsenal. I saw that quality clearly in the Arsenal team. I already knew all of them. I felt even on the field that we have everything to achieve great achievements," Arsenal defender Zinchenko said. "I started talking in the dressing room. Boy, let's not think about finishing in the top four, we have to think about titles. Some of them were laughing. But now no one is laughing. And we are all dreaming.”

Arsenal has not won the league title since 2003/04. At that time, Arsene Wenger was the coach of Arsenal. Wenger retired from coaching in 2018. After that, Unai Emery and Freddie Ljungberg took over Arsenal's training. Arsenal is currently under the training of Mikel Arteta.

After last night's victory, Arsenal has 50 points from 19 games. Which is five points higher than second-place Manchester City. Arsenal has become the next team to reach 50 or more points at the end of half a season in the league.

Previously, City scored 55 points in 2017/18 and Liverpool in 2019/20. Chelsea scored 52 points in 2005/06 and Liverpool scored 51 points in 2018/19.

After that, Arsenal achieved this success this season. Arsenal is unbeaten in 13 games in the league. Arsenal has not lost in the league since losing 3-1 to Manchester United on 4 September 2022.

"But there are still many games to be played," Zinchenko said, "Until the end, even United can challenge." City and us are in the competition. Let's see what happens. But we have to proceed step by step.”