‘I can’t see them winning the title, I really can’t’

Arsenal legend Alan Smith can’t see the Gunners winning the Premier League title this season, insisting both Chelsea and Manchester City are miles ahead of his former club.

This summer saw Arsene Wenger add five new signings to his squad (Mathieu Debuchy, Calum Chambers, Alexis Sanchez, David Ospina and Danny Welbeck), as well as selling Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona and seeing Bacary Sagna leave for City on a free, as the side attempt to lift further silverware this season.

However, Smith reckons they are still some way off from mounting a serious challenge for the title:

‘Another trophy would be great this season, but I can’t see them winning the title, I really can’t.

‘They’re still a few furlongs behind Chelsea and Manchester City, as well as they might have done in the summer transfer window.’

Despite dismissing a title challenge, Smith went on to say that the club have moved forward with their summer signings but thinks they are still weak in the defensive midfield department:

‘I think they have moved forward with the signings of Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck and [teenage defender] Calum Chambers, but I still think they are weak in terms of protecting the back-four.

‘Realistically you’re looking at another top-four finish, and maybe they can nick a cup again, but unfortunately I still don’t see them as title challengers.’

You have to say that we are not favourites for the title, not when you look at the depth and strength that both Chelsea and City have.

However, a serious title challenge can be mounted. We haven’t played well so far this season, but we haven’t lost either and that is promising.

If we can be near about City and Chelsea by January and add what is required during the winter window then who knows what could happen.

Yes, realistically we are looking at another top four finish as Smith claims, but its way too early to rule anything out yet.