Arsenal are the “best equipped” team to finish in the Champions League places, outside of the four current favourites; Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United, according to Jamie Carragher.

The Sky Sports pundit believes the fact that the Gunners have no European football gives them a stronger chance of securing results in the Premier League, compared to the likes of West Ham and Tottenham:

“The team that I think is worth watching closely as the season evolves is Arsenal. If they can get the consistency into their young side, the lack of European football can be a massive help for Mikel Arteta as he spends more time with his players on the training ground.”

“I think it is too soon for them to qualify for the Champions League, but of the chasing pack they may prove themselves best equipped to challenge.”

Carragher is correct in the sense that Arsenal only have to play one game a week, but he also rightly highlights concerns about consistency.

After putting in a top-drawer display against Spurs in the North London derby, they then delivered a rather disappointing performance versus Brighton at the weekend.

Manager Mikel Arteta needs to find a way to get the best out of his players in every game they play, otherwise, they can write off any hopes of finishing in the top four this campaign.