Before a ball was kicked, many predicted that the hunt for top spot in the Premier League would be a two horse race. Manchester City and Liverpool have proved to be England's two elite sides over the past four seasons and many believed they would be a cut apart from the rest yet again this campaign.
However, it's Arsenal who lead the way after seven matches and they have shown their title credentials in the early exchanges of the season. The Gunners have only lost one match so far this term and they've made light work of the likes of Crystal Palace and Brentford - the type of away games that Arsenal have struggled with in the past.
It's still very early days in the season and Arsenal remain 11/1 outsiders to win the division with Sky Bet. However, former Gunners defender William Gallas believes they could hold a key advantage in the title race.
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Fellow title hopefuls Man City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea are all aiming for Champions League success as well as looking to perform domestically. Arsenal have Europa League commitments, but Gallas believes not playing Champions League football will give his old club an advantage.
"I think Arsenal have a better opportunity to compete for the title than Tottenham because this season they aren’t playing in the Champions League, and I think they have to be focussed on the title," Gallas told Genting Casino.
"Arsenal are top of the league and have started the season very well."
It will be a tough ask for Arsenal to go for both the Premier League title and the Europa League - which they are favourites for - but as they are coming up against weaker opposition in the competition when compared to the Champions League, it does allow Mikel Arteta the opportunity to rotate his squad. The likes of City, Liverpool and Spurs may not have that luxury if they're facing Europe's very best sides in the knockout stages of the tournament.
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