Brentford run the risk of getting thumped
ARSENAL have given due notice that they are in a three-horse race for the English Premier League title and done so over the past couple of weeks or so with some telling performances.

So good were these that there is now a growing chorus from within the Emirates touting the Gunners as the champions of English football come May.

Arsenal demolished the opposition in their last three matches on the road by scoring at least five goals on each occasion to set a new mark for an away team.

They beat Sheffield United 6-0, Burnley 5-0 and West Ham 6-0.

In the last league home game, they thrashed Newcastle United 4-1 and prior to that, they beat leaders Liverpool 3-1.

Brentford, who visit the Emirates in the late kick-off today, can expect similar treatment from a side wounded by their waywardness last season, when everything looked on song for a first league title since 2004.

But they buckled under the pressure of the run-in and could only watch as Manchester City helped themselves to a third Premiership crown on the trot.

Against opposition like Brentford, 15th in the standings and just six points clear of the relegation zone, the Gunners will be expected to win, and win rather handsomely.

Anything short of that would merely hasten their detractors mentioning them fading again.

Arsenal are third on the log, two points behind Liverpool and one behind City, with each having played 27 matches thus far.

And with Man City visiting Anfield tomorrow, they could yet make up ground on both their adversaries should the result go their way.

But beyond that, Mikel Arteta will be keen on banking the three points and nothing else.

The Spaniard certainly has a team on fire now.

The outstanding thing about it is that all departments, from the goalkeeper through to the forwards, are pulling their weight – something you could not ask more of from your players.

There is no doubt that the signing of holding midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham in the off-season really solidified their defence and galvanised their midfield.

With another polished showing, Arsenal should see off Brentford and maintain their 100% league record this year.

Manchester United, despite all the hammering they took in the wake of the humbling by Man City last weekend, should get the better of Everton at Old Trafford.

Aston Villa’s home game against Tottenham tomorrow looks evenly poised.

A share of the spoils between third and fourth place, respectively, would not be a surprise, although Spurs could start with a slight edge for all three points.
ARSENAL have given due notice that they are in a three-horse race for the English Premier League title and done so over the past couple of weeks or so with some telling performances.