Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva claims the current Gunners team can’t be classed as “title challengers” quite yet despite their very strong start to the season.

Mikel Arteta’s men have a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League table after ten games but Silva believes that his former team will need to maintain this level until the World Cup to be considered as legitimate contenders:

“I think it is a bit early to say they are title challengers but they are in a good situation. 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.”

Silva makes some very sensible points. While fans should be delighted with how the season has begun, making sure that the Gunners can sustain this superb run of form until the mid-season break is the first priority.

City are relentless when they get into the groove. They hold the record for the longest winning streak in Premier League history (18 matches), and they have managed to go on similar runs on a number of occasions over the past five to six years. Arteta’s side really have no room for slip-ups if they want to stay in the title race.