Arsenal icon Paul Merson has backed his former side ahead of Tottenham and Manchester United this season, believing they are more capable of a top-four finish in the Premier League. It comes after a blistering start to life this season for the Gunners, who currently sit top of the Premier League.
Victory over Brentford on Saturday will confirm the club's status as league leaders heading into the international break, giving Mikel Arteta time to plan the next stint in a busy and unusual campaign. It's seen the side avoid suffering a hangover from last season, where they narrowly missed out on the top four.
Instead, a busy summer transfer window saw them look to bolster their ranks in the hope of making that return to the Champions League. While early signs are promising, Arteta has been quick to try and keep things grounded at the club: "You're not going to hear it [title contenders] from me. It's the next game, the next training session. We go day-by-day.
