Arsenal 'title challengers' according to Patrick Vieira

Crystal Palace manager and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira believes the Gunners are title challengers this season.

The Frenchman’s Palace side battled for a hard-fought point at Anfield on Monday, a game they could easily have won. 

Having faced his former club on Match-day one, Vieira’s side hasn’t had the easiest of starts to the season.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the 1-1 draw against Liverpool, the charismatic manager said:

“When you look at the number of points, of course playing against two teams who are fighting to win the Premier League, is always going to be challenging.”

Despite it being the early stages of the season, the Gunners have a four point advantage over Liverpool, and will be encouraged by their early season performances.

Of course, expectations have to be tempered.

With the target this season being a return to Champions League football, ideally via the Premier League. 

There is a sense of quiet optimism around the club, with both the deals made off the pitch to bring in the likes of Jesus and Zinchenko, on top of the performances on it.

With Liverpool dropping points at home to Palace, the quality of the showing at Selhurst Park by the Gunners may well grow in respectability, at least, it should.

Things have become quiet on the transfer front as of recently, but there is no indication that the good early season form is lessening ambitions.

The reliable Fabrizio Romano argues that moves are being made:

“Edu and Mikel Arteta are still open to further signings, but are working on under-the-radar targets for the moment”

As the transfer deadline approaches, Arsenal fans will be keen to see a move materialise.

However, this summer has shown that those running things behind the scenes at London Colney have earned the benefit of the doubt, and time will tell who else is brought into Arteta’s side.