Mikel Arteta has been told that Arsenal are "ready" for what could be a gruelling October in their Premier League title question with tough assignments against Tottenham, Liverpool and others on the horizon.
The Gunners sit in a healthy position in the current Premier League standings, having racked up 18 points from a possible 21 available. Next up on the agenda is Spurs and Antonio Conte.
A win for either side will have one of the North London clubs sitting in first place ahead of Manchester City, who face rivals United on Sunday. Arsenal's injury concerns coupled with the fact that this is Conte's first game as the Lilywhites boss at the Emirates Stadium means anything can happen when the teams meet.
Regardless of what is to unfold in North London this weekend, former defender Bacary Sagna believes the overall feel of the club has already changed in a positive way.
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"The commitment, mentality and confidence," the Frenchman picked out as things he believed has changed to Lord Ping. "You know these are qualities that develop over time and we’re starting to see that at Arsenal now. For me, it feels like a new club, back to the older standards of Arsenal when I played. There are a lot of people in there that are new - this is Arteta’s first job as a manager, for example.
"After Wenger left, a man who was a giant figure at the club, it was always going to take time and I think that now we’re starting to see the real Arsenal. If you compare Arsenal to United, look at how they were after Ferguson left - they are only starting to find their way now. They are starting that journey and it will take time for them.
"Arsenal has always been a family club. Arteta has changed the vibes and brought back those values. The players look more committed, they want to be there - they are part of something bigger and they believe in the future - this is really important.
"I’m pleased that the fans are happy and the atmosphere [in the stadium] has improved massively. Everyone is together. It was tough for those fans for a while, and it was tough for the players - players need to feel supported. Everyone is connected now.
"On the pitch, I think they have shown this season that this is a team that is ready to challenge. They have answered some of their critics."
Arteta's side face nine games in all competitions over the month of October with five of those coming in the Premier League. One of those games will come at home to Liverpool whilst the Gunners round off September with this weekend's North London Derby. With all taken into account, Sagna believes this is a chance for his former side to make a title statement to the rest of their competitors.
He added: "It's a great opportunity for them to show the rest of the league how far they have come. This is a wonderful test and a beautiful challenge for the Arsenal players and Mikel Arteta. I think that they will feel that they are ready for these matches and I am confident that they will play with the personality that we have seen from them so far. Is it a big test for them to underline their title credentials? Absolutely. I am really looking forward to seeing how they respond to the challenge. This is an opportunity for them to make a statement as a team."
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