Arsene Wenger reckons Arsenal “can fight for the title” but Gilberto Silva isn’t getting carried away despite them being in a “very different situation” to recent seasons.
Mikel Arteta’s side sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League having won nine of their ten games so far this term.
And despite the Spanish manager’s insistence that he and his players will remain grounded, legendary predecessor Wenger has bigged up their chances of going all the way.
“There is no completely dominating team this season, and Arsenal has a chance with the potential that is there,” said Wenger. “We used to be in the top four, and why not again? You cannot even rule out the fact that they can fight for the title, and hopefully, they can do it.”
But one of Wenger’s key players in his successful period at the helm believes Arsenal need to focus on keeping clear of Manchester City in the short term before they can consider themselves genuine contenders.
“I think it is a bit early to say they are title challengers, but they are in a good situation,” Silva told SiteDeApostas.com (via football.london).
“I think it is important to compare the last few seasons at this stage when they were in a very different situation. The table as it stands looks very nice, and I hope they keep it that way.
“The next couple of weeks will be crucial for them until the break and the World Cup. I think it is important to keep this good run, at least until they stop for the World Cup and to try to make sure they remain in first position.
“If they can keep the distance from Manchester City, that will be fantastic. Because as we know, City are a very good team despite the fact they lost against another big team in Liverpool. They can be very dangerous for the remainder of the season.
“But it is important for Arsenal to continue at the top. Because when they come back for the second round of the competition, it is not going to be easy. Maintaining a lead in this league is not easy.”
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