Arsenal legend Ian Wright feels the Gunners have a "good chance" of lifting the Premier League title this season - providing they can keep three star men clear of injury.
Mikel Arteta's side are sitting pretty at the top of the table with a significant gap over Manchester City after picking up where they left off prior to the World Cup break. A draw with Newcastle on Tuesday night has slightly dampened the optimism around the Emirates Stadium, though, particularly with City holding a game in hand over their rivals which could reduce the points deficit.
The 0-0 stalemate came ahead of tough fixtures against rivals Tottenham and Manchester United this month, with Arsenal now facing growing pressure to prove they can stomach a title race. Wright is confident Arsenal can set the pace despite the challenge of City to lift the title come May, though admits fitness issues may be their only downfall.
"I keep saying it's just about enjoying the moment," the pundit said on The Kelly and Wrighty show prior to the Newcastle game. "The players are clearly dialled in to what they're doing but it's going to be tough.
"We know how good Manchester City are and they're probably the only team who could take a couple of injuries to key players and still win the league. Arsenal fans know this is a very special time, it feels good and they're answering every question right now.
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"But if there are a couple of injuries it could be a different story."
Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka have been standout performers for Arsenal this term (Vince Mignott/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)HAVE YOUR SAY : Will Arsenal win the Premier League title? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Arsenal have not yet been hampered by the injury to striker Gabriel Jesus which has sidelined the Brazilian, with Eddie Nketiah stepping up to score twice in three games since the restart to help fill the void.
The Gunners are also currently in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk over the possibility of signing winger Mykhaylo Mudryk to strengthen their squad depth and boost their chances over the back end of the season.
But Wright warned that Arsenal's success will likely hinge on the availability of standout performers Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey, who have been integral to their title charge so far this campaign.
"There's still a chance Arsenal will try and sign a couple of players in January," Wright added. "But when you look at the team this season, Saka's done it, Partey's done it, Odegaard has done it.
"Those are the ones, if Partey, Odegaard and Saka stay fit – which is going to be very tough – then I think Arsenal have got a very good chance of winning the league."
Arteta will have a chance to rest some of his key players on Monday as Arsenal travel to League One side Oxford United in the FA Cup. They then have just under a week to prepare for the North London Derby clash against Spurs before welcoming United the following Sunday in three fixtures that could shape their season.
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