Arsenal will look to equal their best run of Premier League form for two decades when they travel to Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
Mikel Arteta's side are currently in the midst of an eight-game winning streak in the league, in which they have scored 33 goals and let in just four.
That run started with their first fixture of 2024 against Crystal Palace in mid-January, after losing their final two games of 2023.
The incredible run means that Arsenal went into the international break top of the Premier League on goal difference, after Liverpool and Man City only drew at Anfield on March 10.
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Arsenal looking to replicate the Invincibles against Manchester City
Not since the 'Invincibles' season back in 2003-04 have Arsenal won nine league games in succession, but they have the opportunity this weekend.
Only on three occasions have Arsenal managed to put together a run of at least nine straight Premier League wins, and they all came in title-winning campaigns.
Nine wins in 2003-04 helped Arsenal to that Invincible title success, while 10 straight wins in 1997-98, and 13 in 2001-02 also saw the Gunners go on to lift the Premier League trophy.
The current crop are showing all the hallmarks of champions, as more records could tumble this weekend.
After a 6-0 thrashing of Sheffield United, Arsenal became the first team in English league history to score five goals in three consecutive away games.
While they are unlikely to keep that run going here, remaining tight defensively will go a long way to securing success, and another shutout here will see Arsenal keep four straight away league clean sheets for the first time in 19 years.
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The Gunners must end a barren run at the Etihad
This is set to be Arsenal's biggest test yet of 2024, having already overcome Liverpool at the Emirates back in February.
Recent form against the reigning treble winners does not provide much encouragement though, as Arsenal have only won once in their previous 19 trips to Man City.
Arteta will be looking to break a personal dismal run of his own here at the Etihad, as he has lost on all five of his visits to the club where he spent time as assistant manager.
Even before Arteta's arrival, form here for Arsenal was underwhelming, as Arsene Wenger lost on his final two trips, and Unai Emery lost his only one, back in 2019.
Andrew Delaney
