The Gunners have played just 18 games, the same number as Man City in second and Manchester United in fourth. Newcastle are third, one point behind City and level on points with the Red Devils, having played a game more than both Manchester sides.
The top four have built a gap between the chasing sides with Tottenham Hotspur five points behind fourth spot, with Liverpool and Chelsea sitting ninth and 10th respectively as Fulham, Brentford and Brighton making up the rest of the top half.
At the other end of the table, just two points separate the bottom seven sides – from Leeds United in 14th to Southampton in 20th. Jesse Marsch’s side are 14th on goal difference but have won just two of their last 17 games in all competitions.
With the season hitting the halfway mark for many sides, we have put together the best XI, using statistics from WhoScored. Take a look...
5. LB - Joao Cancelo
The defender has two goals and one assist for Man City in the Premier League. He averages 1.7 tackles per game, as well as 1.1 interceptions. Photo: OLI SCARFF
6. CDM - Casemiro
The ex-Real Madrid man has proven to be a key signing for Manchester United. He has two goals and three assists in the league, while averaging 3.1 tackles per game. Photo: Alex Livesey
7. CM - Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian is one of the best playmakers in the Premier League and has been involved in 13 goals for Man City this term, scoring three times and providing 10 assists. Photo: Shaun Botterill
8. CM - Martin Odegaard
The Norwegian has been in inspired form for Arsenal, who top the Premier League by an eight-point margin. He has eight goals and five assists, meaning he has been involved in just under a third of their league goals this term. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS