Arsenal 's richly-assembled squad is now in a place where it should be closer to challenge for the Premier League title this season.
That's an opinion held by Patrick Vieira, who believes the Gunners are now ready to compete at the top of the division following their opening day 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday. It was an impressive performance from Mikel Arteta's side, who blew away their opponents during the first-half but only led by the odd goal at the interval thanks to Gabriel Martinelli's early header.
Palace put on some pressure during the second 45 minutes and went close through Eberechi Eze, but he was unable to beat Aaron Ramsdale. Marc Guehi's own-goal sealed the three points for the Gunners late on as they began the campaign with an important win at Selhurst Park.
After the game, former Arsenal midfielder now-Palace manager Vieira insists the Gunners have what it takes to be in and around the Premier League title race. He said: "They now have the squad to challenge and be closer to the title."
And Vieira isn't the only one. Arsenal supporters have been happy with the gradual progress seen since the Spaniard's appointment in 2019. 'Trust the process' is a cliche which has been heard all too regularly in his near three-year stint in charge. But with the quality of squad Arteta now possesses, there can be no hiding place, now the process needs results.
They lacked an out-and-out No.9 last season following Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang's departure and that probably cost them a place in the top four. Gabriel Jesus' arrival has given them a focal point and he is superb at leading the line with his pace, quick feet and hold up play. Although he didn't score against Palace, Jesus showed plenty of signs of what is to come for him in an Arsenal shirt.
Fabio Viera has given them another option in midfield, while Oleksandr Zinchenko is arguably one of the signings of the summer after he joined from Manchester City. The Ukrainian international impressed at left-back but can also play in midfield or on the wing - versatility a team needs if they want to challenge for silverware.
Despite being at the club over three years now, William Saliba feels like a new signing after he made his Arsenal debut in the win over Palace. The 21-year-old has spent the last couple of seasons out on loan to get valuable first-team experience, and he did just that at Marseille last term. Saliba won the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award for his performances as he excelled in France.
Jesus, Saliba and Zinchenko all started in the success at Palace and have mightily strengthened their XI, while the other arrivals have bolstered their squad. The Gunners are now a team filled of plenty of talent and quality all over the pitch - something they lacked throughout periods last season.
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Arsenal also have momentum behind them - unlike some of their potential fellow title challengers. Liverpool dropped points at newly-promoted Fulham and there has been some uncertainty surrounding their transfer business and whether they need to sign another midfielder. Manchester United are in freefall following their shock defeat by Brighton and Chelsea are looking far from convincing.
Manchester City still seem the side to beat, however, after comfortably beating West Ham United but injuries to key players such as Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne could derail their charge. The pair were integral to their win over the Hammers on Sunday, and arguably don't have the depth as they once used to.
Meanwhile, north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are looking strong and possibly the closest team alongside Arsenal to challenge City and Liverpool. Antonio Conte's men thrashed Southampton 4-1 courtesy of a Mohamed Salisu own-goal and strikes from Dejan Kulusevski, Ryan Sessegnon and Eric Dier.
Like the Gunners, Tottenham have brought well in the transfer market and will be keen to build on last season's fourth-place finish. Many fancy Spurs to close the gap on the top two and there is no reason why Arsenal can't be in that group as well given their business and players at the club.
European football could come at a detriment to the Gunners, but Arteta has added depth which will be able to help them cope for those Thursday-Sunday turnarounds. Looking at their next four matches, Arsenal could easily be top of the Premier League going into September, with Leicester City, Bournemouth, Fulham and Aston Villa up next.
Although that does not mean much in the context of the whole season, it will give the Gunners a mental boost and confidence to continue that form. The Gunners took City to the wire at the Emirates Stadium last season and beat Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United along the way. If they can consistently compete and replicate those results throughout, there is no reason why they cannot be title challengers.
