{
  "id": 9536217,
  "title": "Arsenal early Premier League favourites – players to watch",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/arsenal-early-premier-league-favourites-players-to-watch",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T10:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/arsenal-early-premier-league-favourites-102000819.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Arsenal fans are gearing up for a long few weeks, as the team faces a 3-0 defeat to Brighton. Despite this poor performance, the Gunners are still considered strong contenders for another Premier League title. Bookmakers are still backing the team, with odds as low as 1/1 with BOYLE Sports and Ladbrokes. So, who are the players to watch this season?\n\nKai Havertz, a proficient German forward/attacking midfielder, has struggled with injuries in the past. However, he managed to score a goal against PSG in the Champions League final and another in the Community Shield final. With 2 Premier League goals from 5 matches so far, Havertz looks set to better last season's performance.\n\nBukayo Saka has been a key player in Arsenal's title hopes, scoring 3 goals from 5 appearances. Known for his pace and accuracy, Saka is a formidable opponent for defenders. As a product of Arsenal's youth academy, he embodies the passion and dedication of grassroots football.\n\nMartin Odegaard, the current Arsenal captain, is another player to watch closely. As a playmaker and midfielder, Odegaard is known for his pinpoint passing and assists. Despite some questions about his role in the club, his contributions have been crucial in recent matches.\n\nFinally, Declan Rice has been instrumental in England's World Cup run, despite dealing with a nagging injury. Known for his set-piece specialist skills, Rice's assists have been pivotal in Arsenal's title defense. With 2 assists to his name, we can expect even more from him in the coming season.",
  "summary": "Well, it had to happen didn’t it. No sooner were the pundits, bookies, and football fans in general, talking about Arsenal potentially going unbeaten this season and bringing back a new and updated ...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Is Portugal v Wales on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch Nations League clash",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/is-portugal-v-wales-on-tv-channel-kick-off-time-and-how-to-watch",
        "published": "2026-09-24T06:10:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}