I’ve seen people say things like, “We have improved this year, but last year we finished 19 points behind the two Manchester teams; we can’t make that up in one season.” In response I give you the following facts:
In 2010-2011, Newcastle managed 46 points, while last season they got 65 and finished fifth. Look at that – 19 points extra in one season. And that’s just last season, I didn’t have to hunt around very far for an example.
But maybe you’re saying it’s easier to make such a jump when it’s not right to the top. Perhaps it’s harder to jump from third to first than from about 12th to fifth?
Well, Man City in 2010-11 amassed 71 points, whereas last year they were Champions with 89. Okay, it’s 18 points not 19, but close enough I think.
Man City also made a jump of 17 points between 2009 and 2010, and the same season Spurs increased their tally by 19. Meanwhile Liverpool dropped by 23 points in the same period, which is also something of an achievement, but not really what we’re aiming for.
These are just examples from the last three seasons, I’m too lazy to do much further research when it’s clear that these sorts of jumps do occur fairly often.
But let’s look at one example from a little further back, courtesy of some league tables borrowed from emfootball.co.uk.
Exhibit A – the 1969-70 Division 1 table:
Note: Arsenal on 42 points in twelfth place. Not even North London’s top club in this particular sorry excuse for a season.
Exhibit B – the 1970-71 Division 1 table:
Note: Arsenal Champions on 65 points. That’s 23 points gained in one season – and that’s old points, before it was three for a win – if it had been three for a win the difference would have been a massive 40 points.
So don’t let anyone tell you we can’t make up 19 points in a season. Because at this stage anything is still possible. It’s fairly likely that one of the 17 teams who have stayed in the Premier League will make a jump of 16-19 points this season, and I see no reason right now why it shouldn’t be Arsenal.
Twitter: @AngryOfN5
angryofislington 
I also believe City and United will finish on less points this season than last.
True, if you can drop 19 points, you can make them up again. To do so though you need to have the elements in place in your squad that will generate as many opportunities as is possible to grab 3 points at every match.
Arsenal is unbalanced for any good thing now
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Last year we shipped 49 goals. If we can get that down to around 30 (As MU & MC last year) that should net around 19 points. Simples. 😀
Times and football have well and truly changed since then.
70-71 what a vintage!, That was the year a little boy took his life long allegiance to a club (call me a glory hunter) and went back to school proudly after the summer holidays with his shiny new Arsenal kit and .. wait for it.. matching red and white boots. My Mother either had a sick sense of humour or hoped i was going to be a better footballer than my talent allowed.
Excellent! And I’m not sure that 89 points is very common either. So if they drop and we gain, we can win!!!
I guess the key is the Defence, some good signs from what we’ve seen so far and yes 49 conceded last year was abysmal, anything to improve that means points. Theoretically it’s possible but my heart says you’d need a proven world class PL striker, like Aguero or Van Persie (that name sounds sadly familiar).
I too have to admit becoming a gunner in 70/71 ! While I faked illness my bluff was called and I spent a very frustrating Saturday in bed before convincing my old fella that I was well enough to watch the cup final and oh the joy ! Charlie George and that goal ! that sold me , haven’t looked back since , well… er …not much !