Arsenal moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League table on Sunday as they recorded a 1-0 victory away at Leeds United. Bukayo Saka's goal gave them all three points, but the game was far from comfortable for the Gunners as they were made to work for the win.
A power cut, a disallowed goal, a missed penalty and several VAR decisions all played a role in a rollercoaster afternoon at Elland Road, but Arsenal held their nerve. Manager Mikel Arteta was critical of his side's performance, claiming there were too many errors throughout.
"We made it very difficult for ourselves because we didn’t close the game and in the second half we made too many mistakes and that just gave opportunities and belief to Leeds," the Spaniard said in review of the win. "In the second half, credit to Leeds they were really, really good, an incredible atmosphere and they deserve credit for that as well."
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Despite a tough match, they managed to take all three points that kept them top of the league, while Manchester City lost to Liverpool to extend the Gunners' gap over Pep Guradiola's side to four points. It keeps a buffer for the Gunners, who are increasingly part of the title discussion for this season.
Former Liverpool and Manchester United striker Michael Owen believes they can go on to win the title and made comparisons to Leicester's title heroics in the 2015/16 season.
He told Premier League productions: "Possibly after today people will be thinking 'hang on, four points is a nice little cushion'. I cast my mind back to Leicester and it certainly wouldn't be a surprise like the Leicester season but I do cast my mind back to when Leicester went four points clear and 'it's only Leicester, they won't win it', or whatever.
"Arsenal have got a lot more ability than that team and I do think if they continue like this for the next three, four, five games, if they continue winning, then all of a sudden people will be thinking 'wow, they are the real deal, they are the biggest thorn in the side of Manchester City maybe'.
"And after today's game, Manchester City obviously not picking up three points, all of a sudden it strengthens their grip at the top there. It's going to be a strange season with the World Cup impeding, encroaching on it, let's say, but stranger things have happened and they're looking good all of a sudden."
That is in contrast to another former United player in Roy Keane who has praised Arsenal, but claims he wouldn't go against Man City winning the league. He said on Sky Sports: "Arsenal have had a brilliant start of the season but obviously it's a long way to go yet, you wouldn't bet against Man City in the title, they're obviously strong.
"Arsenal have improved, recruitment in the summer, they've got momentum and a feel good factor of the club, plenty of energy in the club now and even today they're getting bits of luck you know, with the penalty obviously, the penalty miss today. But you'd obviously still have to fancy City."
It remains to be seen who will come out on top, with a World Cup break throwing the season into a state of the unknown.
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