Considering the horror show we've had with injuries this season (Odegaard, Saka, Havertz, etc, and now Big Gabi), a 6 point lag from this point last season isn't that bad.
It isn't, really. Liverpool have probably overperformed by about 3-6 points this season and they're rightfully getting praised for it. Arsenal have overperformed by probably 9-12 points this season, given the injuries, and because our lofty goals, we're shitting on ourselves for it. Understandable, but context is important.