First against third will take place on Monday when Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United in what will be a fitting end to an exciting weekend. Arsenal lead United by the slimmest of margins, just a point, due to United missing out on league play last weekend against Blackpool because of extreme weather. Whenever two of English football’s biggest clubs meet, fireworks can be expected. Let’s face it, United and Arsenal have dominated the Premier League since its inception so Monday’s prime time match is sure to be enjoyed by millions across the world.

The interesting thing about United v Arsenal, at least this time around, is that top spot is up for grabs and both sides will look to attack with purpose while neither (in recent years) have been prone to set up defensively. Other traditional ‘big 4′ matches featuring Chelsea v Liverpool or United v Chelsea have sometimes proved to be dull, boring affairs while Arsenal v United always entertains.

All pre-match variables point to an open and attacking but tight encounter with top of the league on the line. United have yet to loose in the Premier League this year and Arsenal have the physiological advantage of actually being league leaders thanks to some sensational play in recent weeks from their emerging talisman Samir Nasri.

Before Monday’s appointment, here are three key match-ups we at EPL Talk think will make a difference in the outcome of Manchester United v Arsenal 2010-11, Pt. One.

Samir Nasri v  United’s Defense – Nasri is easily the Premier League’s form player of 2010. His contributions to an Arsenal side who have lacked a full strength Cesc Fabregas or Theo Walcott or an out and out goal scorer have seen Arsenal reach the Premier League summit while many would argue they’ve yet to play their best football. Because of Nasri’s emergence as Arsenal’s best player this season coupled with the fact that the Gunners are still without first choice defender Thomas Vermaelen, many believe Arsenal to be serious title contenders when they’re finally able to put a full-strength team together.

Nasri has been instrumental in Arsenal’s success this season because of his versatility as a footballer. He’s capable in a midfield three, a good passer of the ball, pacy and has developed a healthy goal-scoring obsession in the form of eight league goals so far this season. Nasri uses his pace (second fastest on a quick Arsenal side just behind Walcott) and incredible footwork to create space and goal scoring opportunities.

Depending on how Arsene Wenger elects to use his star player will also depend on which of United’s midfielders or defenders will encounter him the most. Should Wenger place Nasri on the left side of Arsenal’s 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, he’ll run into Rafael the most. This could prove incredibly exciting because of how quick both players are while Nasri’s abilities won’t necessarily be used to provide Arsenal with width, but will more likely be used to create space for others by cutting in from the flanks.

Darren Fletcher in midfield is also a likely participant in the containing of Nasri. Because of his work rate and defensive midfield abilities, Fletcher, if fit and starting, will be key in slowing down the league’s best player.

Dimitar Berbatov v Sebastien Squillaci – Berbatov is the league’s leading goal scorer with 11 and will look to add to that tally by testing Arsenal’s (at times, shaky) central defensive pairing of Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny. Arsenal have conceded the most goals this season out of the other three title contenders-United, Manchester City and Chelsea-with 18, so it’ll be up to their center backs to keep them in the game by quieting the Bulgarian.

Berbatov has enjoyed some fine service from those around him in the form of Nani and specifically Wayne Rooney while his finishing has been equally as effective. United’s forward two of Rooney and Berbatov have begun to form quite the partnership upon Rooney’s return to first team action. Although not entirely matured as of yet, their combining in attack has produced a few moments of pure class thus far this season.

As for Arsenal’s Squillaci, the French defender has been asked to step in as cover for the injured Thomas Vermaelen more than expected this season. Although solid on many occasions, Squillaci has been error prone in recent weeks as he trudges through his first season in the Premier League. Pay special attention to his defensive positioning and look for United to attempt to test Arsenal’s back line through crosses into the box from the width that Nani will look to create on the flanks.

Alex Song v Wayne Rooney – Arsenal seem to have found the ‘hard man’ they’ve craved in recent years in the form of Alex Song. Song will sit just in front of the back four which is exactly the space that fit again Wayne Rooney likes to occupy. Playing more as a play-maker or link player than an out and out striker, the battle that Rooney and Song will encounter with each other should be a hard fought one and likely key in a tight match.

Song is a strong midfielder, good in the tackle and can get forward to support in attack when opportunities present themselves. Rooney’s desire to be involved in every movement United attempt and his thirst for the ball witnesses the England striker in more of a roaming role than a ‘high up the pitch goal poacher’. If Rooney can better Song, look for United to create more and enjoy more meaningful possession than Arsenal. Likewise though, if Song can contain Rooney in the same way Fletcher will hope to neutralize Nasri, Arsenal can use Song’s ball winning skills to spark counter attacks into United’s half.

While the predictions will be left to the punters, the match promises to live up to the hype surrounding it. Arsenal would be lying if they said they wouldn’t be pleased with a draw while three points for United would be massive heading into next weekend’s clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as they pocket that game in hand for January.

If you read last week’s post and failed to believe me, then just maybe because of this weekend’s matches and results you’ll start to realize that this league isn’t one that falls into the cliched colloquialisms that tend to surround themselves with the Premier League.

Supporters of both Manchester clubs will emerge from the weekend most happy while Tottenham fans are likely still too delirious to realize how ecstatic they actually are after winning away to Arsenal. For all its plaudits, this season’s first North London derby in the league truly was an epic taste of Premier League glory as Spurs came from two down to win 2-3 against all odds.

Arsene Wenger seems to give Premier League fans two or three great moments each year as his frustrations get the better of him. Last season, with arms spread out in a moment of disbelief and dishevelment, Wenger found himself in the Old Trafford stands without a seat.

Saturday’s capitulation by Arsenal at the hands of Tottenham will be remembered by the water bottle that was hurled to the ground in a petulant fit of rage, it’s remnants covering Pat Rice without the slightest hint of remorse from Wenger. For all the joy Wenger brings to the neutrals, something dreadfully important remains elusive as it pertains to this Arsenal side.

Honorable Mentions -

Ben Foster, Birmingham City – The Manchester United throw away keeper has found his best form at Birmingham City this season quite like Joe Hart did last season while on loan at St. Andrew’s. Although Foster is a Blue to stay and Hart is back with his parent club, there seems to be something in the water in Birmingham that young England keepers are drinking to reach their full potential.

Foster was solid on Saturday for the Blues in their 1-0 win over Chelsea who continue their recent run of bad form. For all their inefficiencies, Chelsea still tested Foster in goal multiple times over the course of the full 90 yet Foster stood tall to produce a myriad of good saves in a man of the match performance.

Morten Gamst Pedersen, Blackburn – Pedersen’s free kick exploits in the last few weeks have produced a couple of moments of pure quality – stunning in their own right while seemingly defying the laws of physics at the same time. Most recently, the Norwegian midfielder/attacker curled an impressive free kick from an impossible angle past a flapping Brad Friedel just before the half to open the scoring in Sunday’s eventual 2-0 win at home.

The perfectly struck free kick tugged and teased Friedel out of the Villa goal only to dive in at the precise moment in which Friedel stood no chance to recover. The swinging arm of Friedel could only get the slightest of touches before the ball found the back of the net and Pedersen celebrated his goal while Blackburn soon took a slim lead into the interval in a match where the first half didn’t impress.

Pedersen then added a second for Blackburn to double Rovers’ lead when he flicked in Ryan Nelsen’s well struck ball across the face of goal. It was equal parts right place/right time and intense moment of precise timing and skill to slot home his second of the day.

Carlos Tevez, Manchester City – Is Tevez the Premier League’s best player? That question may have an answer on another day, but on Sunday, the little Argentine was yet again at his best as his former national coach Diego Maradona looked on at Craven Cottage. Maybe just a step offside but incredibly close to being level, Tevez scored City’s first when he held off Carlos Salcido and finished well past Mark Schwarzer low and to the corner. Tevez set up Yaya Toure for City’s third with a well timed ball directly into the path of the midfielder who took a great first touch and finished into the same corner as Tevez before him.

Continuing his brilliance, Tevez scored a cheeky second (City’s fourth) when he knew exactly what he was doing by flicking on a Pablo Zabaleta shot with his back to goal past Mark Schwarzer to end any idea of a Fulham comeback. For City, the 1-4 performance was one their fans have wanted to see for sometime as the 0-0′s started to pile up. Tevez, alongside David Silva, remains the catalyst for City’s attack and overall performance. When the Argentine is at his best, others perform to his standard which is greatness personified.

Premier League Footballer of the Week -

Johan Elmander, Bolton – If you’ve not been watching Bolton this season then you should change that soon and enjoy a match or two of their efficient, organized and highly energized brand of attacking football. Owen Coyle sets up Bolton in a 4-4-2 formation with Elmander and Kevin Davies up front – two strikers who work brilliantly together, a midfield with plenty of width through the in form Chung-Yong Lee and Matthew Taylor, and a very balanced central midfield comprised of Stuart Holden and Fabrice Muamba – Holden often getting up front in a forward role while Muamba holds in a defensive position.

The big Swedish striker scored a brace in Saturday’s 5-1 win over Newcastle and while a two goal performance will always warrant a mention, it was the way in which both of Elmander’s goals were constructed and executed in such a manner that defined Bolton’s play this season that initially caught my eye and prompted me to recognize Elmander as the weekend’s best player.

Elmander’s first was a brilliant one-two punch with strike partner Davies but was the result of some fine individual brilliance from Elmander himself when he side-stepped Tim Krul in the Newcastle goal to finish. It was Bolton’s third of the day but maybe their most impressive of the season and a perfect example of what has made them so impressive thus far this season.

Elmander’s second was equally as impressive but a better example of Elmander’s individual brilliance – his strength, desire and at times his ability to create something a bit special out of nothing. In the 72nd minute, Bolton’s Matthew Taylor found Elmander with what was essentially a clearance out of Bolton’s half and into an area of safety. Elmander took Newcastle’s Fabricio Coloccini one v one, won the waiting ball, out-muscled Coloccini and plowed forward towards goal to finish past Krul again. It was another great goal from Elmander who is now level with Andy Carroll as the Premier League’s leading goal scorer with eight.

Arsenal v Tottenham Starting Form

The latest renewal of the North London Derby was held at Emirates Stadium between bitter rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. A 17 year drought for Spurs at Arsenal set the stage for an intriguing comeback that saw the race for the League trophy open up even more.

For Arsenal, manager Arsene Wenger brought the home side out in their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. Marouane Chamakh occupied his familiar striker role, with Samir Nasri and Andrei Arshavin also serving as targets for playmaker Cesc Fabregas. Bacary Sagna was useful on overlaps with Nasri, especially in the first half.

Harry Redknapp’s squad began the game in a 4-4-1-1, which struggled to gain much offensive momentum in the first half. Attacking midfielder Rafael van de Vaart served as the link to forward Roman Pavlyuchenko. Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon contributed from the wide midfield, while Alan Hutton and Benoit Assou-Ekotto had limited success on runs from the back.

The best first half chances resided with the Gunners, though possession was relatively even. Arsenal’s defensive line held Tottenham to mostly outside shots. A Bale redirection off a van der Vaart corner and a Luka Modric blast from 20 yards were the only two tests that goalkeeper Lukacz Fabianski faced in the first half.

In the 9^th minute, Arsenal took advantage of some soft defensive play by Spurs. From his side of the center line, Fabregas lofted a long through pass to a breaking Nasri, being marked by Assou-Ekotto. Goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes showed indecision, and Nasri used a firm touch to get around Gomes. As the ball was teasing the goal line, Nasri got a foot to it, and the ball eased its way past Assou-Ekotto and a sprawling Gomes for the early 1-0 lead.

The play then settled down a bit, but in the 27^th minute Arshavin struck a pass towards a streaking Chamakh, and the French forward fought off Younas Kaboul and directed a left foot past Gomes for a comfortable 2-0. As play concluded in the first half, it was obvious that Tottenham was not as crisp as Arsenal. The defensive center midfielders Modric and Jermaine Jenas had failed to contain Fabregas. While the Gunners’ organized attack was less effective, the counterattack had generated a number of opportunities which resulted in the two goal cushion.

Redknapp inserted Jermain Defoe for Lennon after halftime. To place more pressure on Arsenal’s defense, he placed Defoe as the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Bale and van der Vaart acted as wings for the attacking midfield line, with Pavlyuchenko falling behind Defoe.

Arsenal v Tottenham 2nd Half

Spurs expectedly came out looking to reenter the conversation. In the 50^th minute, Defoe received a lob pass outside the area. He headed it forward, and van der Vaart controlled and set the ball out in front of Bale, who flicked it forward and then knocked it in with the outside of his left foot past Fabianski. That made it a game again at 2-1 Arsenal.

Tottenham’s comeback was facilitated by a costly mistake by the Gunners’ captain. Fabregas raised his arm to protect his face inside the area on a 66^th minute van der Vaart freekick. Against Fabregas’ appeals, referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot. Van der Vaart converted the ensuing penalty, and Arsenal’s lead had evaporated, 2-2.

After relieving Pavlyuchenko with forward Peter Crouch, Redknapp went back to the more conservative 4-4-2 formation. He paired Defoe and Crouch at the front. But for Spurs, it would take another ill-advised Gunner decision to put them on top.

On an 84^th minute counter rush, Bale received a right flank pass from van der Vaart. Back Laurent Koscielny tackled late and received a yellow card. Van der Vaart’s free kick was placed perfectly to Kaboul, and the back headed the ball into the net. Tottenham had finally climbed to victory again at Emirates Stadium

This game was influenced most by momentum and uncharacteristically poor play by Arsenal. The Spurs were ready to make an impact after halftime, but that alone would not have been enough to garner even a draw without unforced errors. Arsenal had this game in hand. The door was opened, and Tottenham stepped in and wrestled three points away from a complacent and undisciplined side. Don’t take too much credit away from Spurs though; it takes a good club to turn that gift into victory.

victory over Birmingham was overshadowed by a clumsy challenge by Jack Wilshere that saw the young English star pick up the first red card of his professional career. While Wilshere may have the world at his feet, the red card demonstrates that the 18-year-old still has plenty learn.

It really was a mixed day for Arsene Wenger’s latest protégé. He showed plenty of the quality that seen him quickly be touted as England’s latest star, but his tackle showed an element of petulance that Wenger will now quickly look to stamp out of his game.

Wenger himself almost surprisingly had no complaints about the red card but was quick to point out that the tackle was an anomaly in Wilshere’s game. He said: “It looked to me as a red card. He didn’t want to harm the player but he caught him and it’s difficult to complain after as he touched the ankle of the player.

“Jack has acknowledged he deserved it, but he did not spend his whole game trying to kick people, he was one of the best players on the pitch.”

Wilshere’s ability is undoubted but from what I have seen of the youngster there has always been potential for a wreckless lunge. His temper seems easily frayed and it is something that Wenger must work on to make sure Wilshere’s needless challenges don’t stop him fulfilling his potential.

We must obviously remember Wilshere is young but if Wenger can control his fiery temper then just imagine the player Arsenal and England will have on their hands.

The comparisons with Cesc Fabregas are obvious, and in my opinion Wilshere could very much follow in the foot-steps of the Spaniard.  I really feel, and hope Wilshere could lead a breed of the more technically gifted English footballers.

In years gone by there has been a focus on physical attributes in youngsters. So much so that some clubs would chose youngsters based purely on pace, power or strength, and then worry about coaching them technique.

Wilshere proves that natural ability is purely enough to make it as a footballer. Physically he lacks any real prowess, but technically he so gifted. What we saw today was the good and the bad of Wilshere, but hopefully in years to come we will see purely the good.

While their young stars will go globetrotting with their national sides this weekend, there will still be a sense of disappointment in the Arsenal squad. Sunday’s defeat at Chelsea was a familiar story for the Gunners, as once again they failed to get a result against their London rivals. Will this result be the story of another disappointing season for Arsene Wenger’s men?

For the last few seasons pundits have been claiming that Wenger’s side needed time to develop in to a force. Always threatening to challenge for honours but just coming up short became a regular disappointment for Arsenal fans.

The same can be said for the game against Chelsea. The Gunners dominated possession for long periods but were not able to convert their dominance in to goals. Laurent Koscielny and Marouane Chamakh both missed excellent chances and Arsenal were cruelly punished for those misses.

I can’t help but feel that Arsenal’s season will play out a similar story. While their quality and class is undoubted, big questions remain over their substance. The Arsenal side that went unbeaten in the 2003-2004 season was able to convert dominance in to goals, as well as making sure they didn’t throw games away. Unfortunately that side seems like a light-year away from this current Arsenal team.

It must be said that Wenger has had some real bad luck with injuries. Missing out on Sunday’s clash were key men Cesc Fabregas,  Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott, and for a side that doesn’t go and splash out on big signings missing players of this quality always causes problems.

What has made things worse for Wenger is that the trio have all had regular injury problems over the last few seasons and have never really been able to show their qualities on a consistent basis without injury striking.

So yes Wenger does deserve more luck, but as I have mentioned in previous articles I really think he may need to realise that this squad just doesn’t have the winning quality and maybe the mentality that is needed for a challenge on success. If he doesn’t the wait for a trophy may continue for the foreseeable future.

Arsenal have today announced record profit levels of £56million, an announcement that only further fuels the claim that the Premier League really is recession proof. But will these impressive financial figures finally see Arsene Wenger tempted in to splashing the cash?

The probable answer is no. Wenger has always avoided big money deals in favour of the cheaper long term deals. It has been stated in the past that there was money there for the Frenchmen to spend, and yet there have been no big name signings.

Instead Wenger put his faith in his young starlets, and their midweek performance at Tottenham in the Carling Cup shows that the Gunners are producing some of the finest prospects in World football.

But the problem with this is that it is a very long term approach to success. Football is a very short term world and while it does make a refreshing change to see a manager take a more logical long term approach to success, you have to question whether it is really the right policy to deliver a trophy.

The last time the Gunners tasted success was in 2005, and other than a couple of flings with the Carling Cup, in truth they have never really looked like going on to end their barren spell. However every year we say that Arsenal are getting better and the promise they have shown during the opening few games of this campaign suggests this could be the year that their luck changes.

But I can’t help but think that if Arsenal do have another trophyless season than it might just be time for Wenger to splash the cash, especially when you consider the probable departure of Cesc Fabregas.

 Yes there is nothing wrong with giving your players a chance, and there is no reason why this can’t continue, but I can’t understand why Wenger is so opposed to bringing in a big name signing. Sometimes all it takes to take a side to the next level is a top signing, if you have the funds to bring somebody in, why not use them?

What do you think? Should Arsene Wenger finally start to splash the cash or are his young guns good enough to bring success to the Emirates Stadium?

While it has been Chelsea taking the Premier League by storm during the opening few weeks of the season, their London rivals Arsenal have gradually been gradually continuing their solid start to the campaign.

Arsene Wenger’s side have been in very impressive form so far this season. They kicked off with a creditable 1-1 draw at Liverpool before three straight wins, including a 6-0 mauling of Premier League new boys Blackpool.

But in their last game they got their biggest boost of the season so far – the return to fitness and form of Cesc Fabregas. During the 4-1 win over Bolton, the little Spaniard showed the sort of ability which saw him linked with a big money move to Barcelona during the summer, and if he continues this form, Pep Guardiola may just regret not parting with the inflated transfer fee that Arsenal demanded.

You have to admire Fabregas’ attitude, just yesterday I criticised Fernando Torres, suggesting his heart was no longer at Liverpool and it was showing on the pitch, but with Fabregas, this simply wasn’t the case.

Wenger though claims he never doubted that Fabregas would be committed to the cause: “I was always convinced he loved Arsenal.

“When he is on the pitch, he enjoys it. We play the game he loves to play, the game turns around him as well. He grew up in this team, and to make this team win will be a bigger achievement than anything else for Fabregas.”

To be honest though you can see why Fabregas would remain loyal to Wenger, and so he should. Without the help of the Frenchman, Fabregas would be nowhere and repaying the gamble that Wenger took on him by staying for another year was really the very least Fabregas could have done.

Next summer I have no doubt that Fabregas will make the move to Barcelona, but in an era of player power it makes a refreshing change to see a player accepting the decision of his manager, keeping his head down and continuing to put in the high quality performances.

These high quality performances may just give Fabregas the only thing he has left to achieve at Arsenal, a trophy.

For years on end managers across the country have sent their players away  to represent their country and spent the whole time of their absence praying they all return fit and well.  But after a week that saw several big name players pick up injuries while playing for their country, the pressure from managers for a change in the scheduling of international games will be higher than ever.

You can see where the likes of Arsene Wenger and Harry Redknapp are coming from. Take the Arsenal manger, Theo Walcott went away to play for England in arguably the best form of his club career but after suffering an ankle injury against Swtizerland, he now faces weeks on the sideline.

Wenger also lost Robin van Persie to injury where as Redknapp will see Jermain Defoe and Michael Dawson both missing for Spurs for some considerable time. Elsewhere Roy Hodgson will be without Dirk Kuyt for some time as well.

While I can understand all their frustrations, I can’t see a way to resolve the problem. You can’t arrange them all in a block because this simply wouldn’t work, it would lead to a lack of development and a lack of opportunity for players at international level.

I also don’t see that scrapping international friendlies is the answer.  This will only again create a lack of opportunities to progress. Although they are often described as pointless, they are a vital for a player’s transition in to international football.

The only option as I can see would be to schedule international games around transfer windows, thus allowing for sides to replace a player should they get injured.  For example a friendly game in January not February as well as arranging the first qualifying games for late August and not early September.

I’d be interested to hear your suggestions in to how to minimise the impact of players getting injured on international duty?

Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross has today hit back at Arsene Wenger’s claims that Stoke players act like “rugby” players. The 23-year-old defender was left fuming after Wenger’s allegations saying: “He’s obviously got something against me. It’s just weird

“He seems to have a problem with Stoke, our manager and certain players. Criticism doesn’t bother me, unless it’s a false accusation like this one”

Shawcross has every right to be annoyed by Wenger’s comments. Yes Stoke are a team full of 6 foot plus monsters but to compare their game to rugby is absurd and Wenger, still hurting by old wounds,  is taking every opportunity he can to take a pop at Shawcross and Stoke.

It seems as if Wenger is still very bitter about the incidents that took place at the Britannia Stadium back in February. The Arsenal boss was adamant back then that Shawcross’ challenge on Aaron Ramsey wads malicious and it appears that even with seven months of reflection he hasn’t changed his mind.

Wenger has been known to hold grudges, and of course we can understand the frustrations of the Frenchman after losing a very talented youngster to an horrific injury. But Shawcross meant no harm with that challenge; he simply isn’t that type of player.

I don’t see what Wenger is trying to gain by criticising a Stoke player. If it was a title rival then maybe I could understand it, but Stoke won’t be competing with Arsenal in terms of league position this season. If Wenger is trying to play some early mind games before the always tricky meetings with Stoke this season then this ploy won’t work. Commenting on Stokes nature will only motivate Stokes intimidating fans further making the games even harder.

Wenger has always had an outspoken nature, however sometimes it has come back to haunt him, I can’t help but feel his comments about Stoke may come back to haunt again in time.

Is it time for Arsene's stars to shine?

 For many years now we have been saying it’s a matter of time before Arsenal come good. Well after watching them grind out a result at Blackburn on Saturday maybe we won’t be waiting much longer.

The ability that Arsene Wenger’s side possess is in unquestionable. But so often the easy on the eye football hasn’t brought the required results.  But Arsenal seem to be devolving a greater resolve to their game which I suppose was inevitable the young starlets gained experience.

The likes Alex Song and Abou Diaby seem to have grown over the summer and look like they can add the support and protection for Cesc Fabregas to go on and be at his creative best.

Wenger’s major masterstroke though has been his policy over Fabregas. He made it clear that diminutive midfielder was not for sale, and what a boost it must have been for Arsenal not to lose their best player when a European superpower came calling.

But Fabregas also deserves severe praise for the way he has handled himself during the transfer saga that lasted nearly all summer. He made clear his intentions and that he wanted to leave, but has accepted Wenger’s decision. In an era of player power and reported strikes it makes a refreshing change to see somebody accept that they might not get the move they want.

 I suspect Wenger has told his star midfielder that this is the year when Arsenal finally push to make a serious challenge for some honours.

Wenger’s movement in the transfer market backs up the faith he has in his squad. Arsenal brought in experienced French defender Sébastien Squillaci and fellow countrymen Laurent Koscielny  to add competition in the centre of defence. But asides from that Arsenal’s squad is pretty similar and Wenger has once again resisted temptation to splash the cash.

The result is seven points from a start that included tricky trips to Liverpool and Blackburn. I think if you had offered an Arsenal fan four points from them two trips they would have bit your hand off before the start of the campaign.

But the acid test still awaits for Wenger’s side. Have they got enough about them to go the distance and push for the title? Only time will tell, but early signs are good for the Gunners.