"It's probably too soon to anoint Arsenal as champions but their form makes ominous reading for the rest of the crowd, especially their defensive record. Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi have strengthened Mikel Arteta's side but solid foundations are the significant pieces of the puzzle. For a while now William Saliba and Gabriel have ensured the soft centre is no more."
"Arteta's old boss, Pep Guardiola, is surely his biggest rival for the title from here, with City capable of going on a similar run. Erling Haaland's prolific form he is the Premier League's leading scorer with 11 and has outscored eight teams means City simply cannot be discounted. After defeat at Aston Villa on Sunday, Guardiola insisted he was far from reaching for the panic button when asked about the gap to the summit, clearly enthused by elements of his side's display."
Arsenal spent more than £250m in the summer and possess a formidable squad able to cope with injuries to Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard. Defensive capability has improved dramatically, conceding three goals in 13 games across competitions and only one from open play. Viktor Gyokeres has struggled for open-play goals, with only five, leaving Arsenal reliant on set pieces at times. William Saliba and Gabriel have secured a previously vulnerable centre. Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and Liverpool remain potential challengers, with Erling Haaland leading the scoring charts and City capable of sustained runs.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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