Arsenal still playing for second place, claims Souness

Despite Arsenal’s early season brilliant form, Graeme Souness insists that the Gunners do not have what it takes to win the Premier League title.

THE LOWDOWN: PROVING DOUBTERS WRONG

Arsenal raced to the top of the Premier League table after the first three games of the season and it was a case of many believing it was a matter of time before the Gunners would fall off.

It has been a different story since then though as Arsenal look to be getting even better with each gameweek. The Gunners have enjoyed a rather impressive campaign so far and are the current leaders, but the bookmakers and pundits still fancy Manchester City to retain their crown for a third successive season.

As it stands, Arsenal are five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, and will remain top after Christmas, no matter what happens. This is the third time in Premier League history that the Gunners have managed this feat but it appears some still don’t see it as impressive in any way.

THE LATEST: SOUNESS DOWNPLAYS ARSENAL’S START

Speaking to talkSPORT on White and Jordan, Souness praised Arteta for his work at Arsenal but quickly went on to underplay their strong start to the campaign.

He said: “Arsenal had the disappointment of losing out on the Champions League last year, what a reaction he’s got from his players.

“A young squad that should only get better if we can try and apply logic, which doesn’t always work in football, but Arsenal right now if you ask me, are a club that are going places with this manager.

“He weathered some difficult times, OK he got an FA Cup under his belt but he did weather some difficult times, and by the people that make the decisions at Arsenal, he has paid them back.”

However, despite their current title charge, Souness does not believe they will be crowned as champions come the end of the season, citing holders City as the best of the lot.

“Will they sustain it? I still think people are playing for second place to City, but Arsenal are a fabulous story right now, they really are.”

THE VERDICT: ANOTHER POOR TAKE

Graeme Souness is well famous for taking digs at Arsenal but this one was a rather poor comment to make. City boss Pep Guardiola recently described the Gunners as ‘amazing’ and named them contenders for the title.

Admittedly, it is still too early to say anything but a five-point lead at Christmas doesn’t seem like a team playing for second place.