Joe Cole now reckons that Arsenal have what it takes to mount a Premier League title challenge - after previously dismissing their chances.
The ex-Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham United star hadn't been convinced that Mikel Arteta 's men could battle it out at the top of the table with the likes of Manchester City, but admits the Gunners have proven him wrong.
Only losing one game this season and winning the other eight - including a statement-like 3-2 victory over Liverpool last Sunday - Cole is fully on the Emirates bandwagon.
"I'm a believer now," the former England international declared on BT Sport.
"We've seen them trip up themselves so many times over 10 years, you always want to have another look and another look, but the process Mikel Arteta is talking about for the last 12-18 months is starting to bear fruition.
"The young players, the ones coming in, are delivering it. It looks like a well-oiled machine. Exciting times for Arsenal fans."
Arsenal's form, which also includes three Europa League wins to begin their continental campaign with a 100 per cent record, has got everyone talking about their domestic title chances.
The Gunners are currently in first place after nine league games, sitting one point clear of champions Man City heading into Sunday's trip to Leeds United.
Arteta - who this time last year was fending off calls for the sack - is receiving much of the praise, and Cole picked out one element of his management which has paid dividends this term.
"We talk about continuity under Arteta," the 40-year-old pundit added.
"He's always, of the big hitters, using two, three or four in European games, bringing in lads around him. To continue that performance."
In contrast, ex-Liverpool striker Stan Collymore claims that Arsenal have "no chance" of lifting the trophy come May.
"I understand why some fans are excited to see what Arsenal can do," Collymore told CaughtOffside.
"But there is no way they're going to go on an emphatic 38-game run, similarly to what we saw happen between Liverpool and City last season – no chance."
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As for what Man City boss Pep Guardiola makes of the Gunners' chances, he notably snubbed Arteta and co when asked which team were his side's biggest challengers.
"Liverpool have always have been," Guardiola stated ahead of Sunday's mouthwatering clash between the two clubs at Anfield.
"I know the quality they have. If it was like this with 10 games left, I would say I don't think they can catch, but now anything can happen. It's always difficult in the years since we have arrived here together, it will be a tough game and I don't expect anything else.
"The game will be dictated on the pitch, not by the table, because we are in front of them or behind, not because of those kind of things.
"I know the quality they have, they know the quality we have. If this was with three games left, I would say they could not catch top of the league but with so long left plus a World Cup, anything can happen."
