Arsenal are the team to beat this season after winning their opening five Premier League fixtures, with a huge clash against Manchester United up next.
The Gunners could go four points clear at the top of the table with a win at Old Trafford this afternoon after Manchester City dropped points against Aston Villa. Mikel Arteta's side enjoyed a successful pre-season and carried their fine form into the new season as they look to make it six wins on the bounce this afternoon.
Club captain Martin Odegaard and No.1 goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale were both doubts ahead of the game against United, but after being assessed beforehand they are set to retain their positions in the starting line-up. Summer signing Gabriel Jesus has been influential in Arsenal's perfect start to the season, registering six goal contributions in five appearances.
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Ex-Gunners midfielder Paul Merson believes his former side are still "a million miles away" from a Premier League title despite currently being sat top of the table. Merson told the DailyStar, via the Metro: "Neither club [Arsenal or Manchester United] is going to lift the title any time soon. The Gunners may have 15 points from 15 but, in my opinion, they’re a million miles from winning the league.
"What they do not want, though, is to suffer defeat at United – and, suddenly, all those cliches about them return. 'Here we go again', 'same old Arsenal', and headlines about being no more than 'flat-track bullies'. It doesn’t take very long for the mood to turn in football."
Merson continued by warning Arsenal that a loss to United could quickly be followed up by defeats to Tottenham and Liverpool with a tough run of fixtures on the horizon for Arteta's team. Merson added: "The Emirates is noisier than ever right now, the fans are 100% with the team, but lose to United and Arsenal face even tougher games, against Tottenham and Liverpool, with the pressure on.
"Mikel Arteta’s side, thanks to their perfect month, have earned the right to make sure they leave Manchester – with at least a point. They don’t need to chase anything. Don’t get beaten… those Spurs and Liverpool games take care of themselves.
"There's actually nothing wrong with being flat-track bullies – as long as you get something against the big boys. Liverpool did that last season and were a point off winning the title.
"That shows what can be achieved by holding your own with top-six clubs and winning games you should. Even if the top four – which must be the aim for Arsenal – proves just beyond them, I’d expect the board to go with Arteta again."
Arteta has been backed by the club since he replaced Unai Emery as Arsenal manager, highlighted by the Gunners spending in excess of £100million for a second successive summer. Merson believes the addition of former Manchester City duo Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko will help them return to the Champions League.
Merson continued: "After all, which other manager could attract the quality of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to north London… without Champions League football. It’s incredible he got that world-class pair to sign for us – and what a difference they’re making."
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