Graeme Souness has claimed that Arsenal have a "real chance" of winning the Premier League this season.
Mikel Arteta's side have been the surprise package of the league so far, with Arsenal currently five points clear of Manchester City.
It's a far cry from the problems that the club faced two years ago, with consecutive finishes outside the top six as they looked to be fading away from the league's top sides.
However, Arsenal's project under Arteta has proven to exceed expectations. After narrowly missing out on Champions League football last season, Arsenal have brought their game on to another level this season.
Souness Talks Up Arsenal's Chances
While there is still plenty of football to be played, Graeme Souness believes Arsenal can go on to win their first title since the invincibles of 2004.
Who would have thought we would arrive at New Year's Eve and City, with Haaland having scored 20 league goals, would be five points off top? Not only that, but it would be Arsenal setting the pace.
We have a genuine title race. Historically Pep Guardiola would worry what Liverpool were doing. Not this year, because Arsenal have a real chance of winning this league.
Arsenal are playing with a freedom, belief and confidence. When I watch them, they believe they can out-football and out-score anyone. That is a tremendous conviction to have.
Arsenal have assembled a side filled with young players that have showed they can be depended on, such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Their business in the summer has also been vital, with Gabriel Jesus and Zinchenko among some of the key signings that have turned out to be key investments.
Arteta's brave decisions at the club have also worked wonders. Martin Odegaard has thrived since unexpectedly being named as captain, while William Saliba has been one of the league's best defenders since he was given an opportunity in the side.
Souness has credited Arteta for the work he has put in, along with the board, to put Arsenal in this position.
It is just that Mikel Arteta has instilled so much belief in his players that they go out and play their own game. It will be fascinating to see how that strategy fares when they meet City in February.
Arsenal's board deserves credit, too. They have stuck with Arteta through some sticky times, and they were right. Between them, they have also got their recruitment right.
Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale, Gabriel Martinelli, they weren't established as top Premier League stars, but they have identified young players who could be coached and improved, and that is why Arteta is perfect for their model."
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