Aliadiere argues it’s too early to declare Arsenal as favourites

Arsenal are flying high at the top of the Premier League, holding a five-point cushion over nearest challengers Manchester City. It has been a near-perfect start for Mikel Arteta’s side, who are desperate to ensure they are the ones lifting the trophy come May.

After getting back on track with a 2–0 win over Brentford at the Emirates on Wednesday night, attention now turns to a huge test this weekend against Aston Villa - arguably one of their toughest fixtures of the campaign.

We spoke with former Arsenal striker Jérémie Aliadière to assess whether the Gunners truly boast the strongest squad in the league and whether this could finally be the season they end their long wait for Premier League glory.

Berta’s busy summer pays off

Arsenal’s summer was one of their most proactive in years, with sporting director Andrea Berta spearheading an aggressive and targeted recruitment drive. The aim was clear: give Arteta the depth and quality required to go toe-to-toe with Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and the rest.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martín Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapié all arrived - and Aliadière believes the impact has been transformative.

“The recruitment in the summer was amazing. The players that joined the squad have all contributed. In the last few seasons the squad has been short. The players who would come in when others were injured didn’t have the same quality or intensity. Now Arsenal have strength in depth.”

“Martinelli and Madeueke came in yesterday after being injured and they looked sharp and ready. The squad is so physically ready. It’s a machine that’s well organised. In the past few years, injured players might have found it harder to settle in.”

“Arsenal have so much quality and ability to change. Gabriel is out and Hincapie and Mosquera can come in and do a good job. Mikel has choices for fun and he’s also matured in his choices. It’s hard to see Arsenal not winning anything.”

Arsenal return to action this weekend in the Premier League on the road against Aston Villa who, if they win, could start to dream about their own outside title challenge. The visitors are currently 9/10 to pick up all three points, and if you back them to do that, you can do so by using our bet365 bonus code.

Too soon to crown the Gunners?

With Arsenal leading the pack and Liverpool yet to fully convince, many have already declared Arteta’s men the title favourites. City, meanwhile, remain lethal in attack but have shown enough defensive fragility to raise questions about their staying power.

Even so, Aliadière insists it’s premature to hand Arsenal the tag of firm favourites — and believes January will provide a far clearer picture once the demanding festive period is out of the way.

“It’s still too early to say. It’s only 12 games gone and we still have plenty of games in the season to go. It’s a marathon and we have a long way to go. The Christmas period will be difficult but at the moment it will be disappointing if Arsenal don’t win it. I think the squad they have and the strength in depth means it would be.”

“It’s a long season and it might not go this well all season. Arsenal might also still face their struggles.”

Rice is among the world’s best

Despite the strong summer window, one of the most decisive figures in Arsenal’s early-season surge has been Declan Rice. The England midfielder has evolved into a complete, all-action presence in the centre of the pitch - and Aliadière believes he is now firmly among the world’s elite.

“I think Declan Rice is amazing and I can’t think of many other midfield players who do what he does. He’s a box to box midfielder so he does defend but he also attacks and makes late runs into the box.”

“He scores goals and his set piece delivery is superb. It’s just perfection. The corners and free kicks are always at the perfect time. The way he whips the ball is just insane. Rice is up there with the best midfielders in the world.”

Read more as Jeremie Aliadiere gives his thoughts on Arsenal's Champions League hopes