Arsenal have EXACTLY the same record in the Premier League as they did at this stage last season

  • Arsenal were title contenders in 2013/14 season before faltering at the end
  • Gunners have same record after 31 games: Won 19, drawn six, lost six
  • Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal have improved with likes of Alexis Sanchez
  • Arsenal started this season poorly with defeats at Swansea and Stoke City
  • Adrian Durham: Arsenal only turn it on when the pressure is off 

The 2013/14 season was seen as a step forward for Arsenal, spending the majority of the campaign at the top of the Premier League and ending their trophy drought with the FA Cup.

But the Gunners still finished in fourth place yet again, with Arsene Wenger's team were heavily criticised after throwing away the title.

That poor run of form in 2014 couldn't seem further away now with Arsenal flying in the league, a recent 4-1 victory against Liverpool demonstrating their step forward. But still, the north London side have exactly the same record as they did at this stage last season.

Arsenal were reeling after a 6-0 defeat by Chelsea at this stage last season and had 63 points from 31 games

Arsenal were reeling after a 6-0 defeat by Chelsea at this stage last season and had 63 points from 31 games

The Gunners are now in fine form and beat Liverpool 4-1 on Saturday but still have the exact same record

The Gunners are now in fine form and beat Liverpool 4-1 on Saturday but still have the exact same record

The Premier League table after Arsenal had played 31 games in 2013/14 (left), and now (right)

Played 31, won 19, drawn six, lost six - the only stat differentiating the two tables is Arsenal's favourable goal difference in this campaign - a season which their points tally of 63 merits a place of second, rather than fourth.

With the addition of Alexis Sanchez as well as a new-found solidity in Francis Coquelin and the goalscoring returns of Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil, the Gunners are already being tipped to challenge for the title next season.

But the run of form at the start of the season - in contrast to 2013/14 when they impressed in the opening months - has cost Wenger.

Defeats by Swansea, Stoke and Manchester United will be looked back on with regret by this Arsenal team, as well as dropping points late on at Liverpool and Tottenham.

Mathieu Flamini celebrates after equalising in Arsenal's 31st game last season against Manchester City

Mathieu Flamini celebrates after equalising in Arsenal's 31st game last season against Manchester City

The Gunners were in fine form at the beginning of the 2013/14 season and topped the table for many weeks

The Gunners were in fine form at the beginning of the 2013/14 season and topped the table for many weeks

They currently top the European form guide but still can't beat their efforts from last year, at this stage at least.

Wind back a year and Arsenal were reeling from a 6-0 defeat by Chelsea, drawing with Swansea and Manchester City before another humiliating loss at the hands of Everton.

Things are certainly on the up for the Gunners now and they do look in fine shape heading into the summer, but they should not forget what could have been, this season and last. 

Arsene Wenger will regret many results in this season - including a 3-2 defeat by Stoke City in December

Arsene Wenger will regret many results in this season - including a 3-2 defeat by Stoke City in December