Arsenal icon Thierry Henry has changed his stance on their title chances as he believes Mikel Arteta's side have what it takes. The Gunners have a three-point and four-point lead over early rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, while AFC Bournemouth have mounted an early challenge after a bright start.
The North London club have had a series of near-misses in recent years after finishing runners-up in the title race. In each of the last three seasons, Manchester City and Liverpool have claimed the illustrious silverware in May.
But so far this season, Arsenal have mounted the strongest challengeand have become the early pace-setters.
Despite defeat to Liverpool, they have bounced back to lead the charge after the Anfield club suffered a significant downturn in form.
Arsenal have been viewed as favourites in the past but their wait to return to the summit of English football is now over two decades.
Henry has always felt Arsenal could win the league, admittedly from a fans' perspective, but now, the French icon believes two key changes have made their dreams a possibility.
"The squad is bigger, and we must respect whatever the rotation is going to be from Mikel Arteta," he told Betway.
"Having the choice is what he wanted. They analysed what they were missing in the past three years when players like Odegaard, Saliba and Saka got injured, and the club felt they were short.
"Are the youngsters going to come in more often? You need to ask Mikel. But as an Arsenal fan, you love to see Nwaneri, Dowman and Lewis-Skelly, and Saka is from the academy as well.
"I always say that to win the league, you need a squad. Having some guys who can jump in when the No. 9 is not scoring is what will make the difference.
"I used to feel that Arsenal could win the league as a fan, because you dream and you hope. For the first time in a long time, I can see this team winning the league – not just as an Arsenal fan, but as a football fan and an analyst. I see it, because they are united."
With each passing weekend, the complexion will become clearer. Liverpool can increase the pressure on Arsenal when they face Brentford at 8pm on Saturday.
However, the reigning champions have found travelling to the capital particularly tricky in recent weeks as defeats to Crystal Palace and Chelsea played a role in their four-match run without a win.
Arsenal and City kick-off at 2pm on Sunday, against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa respectively, and by 5pm, the next twist will be known.
