Former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger has backed the Gunners as the second-best team in the Premier League this season, claiming they can win the title, but only if Manchester City prioritise the UEFA Champions League. 

The Frenchman managed the Gunners from 1996 to 2018, and he has expressed optimism that Mikel Arteta’s current side are well poised to win their first title since Wenger led the Londoners to top-flight glory in 2003-04.

The London club currently sit at the top of the Premier League, with 21 points after eight games, and one ahead of City, who are in second place.

Wenger believes his former club have made a fine start to the season, most-recently capped by a 3-1 win over Tottenham on Saturday, although he still rates City above them.

According to Wenger, Liverpool are already far behind in the race, and he doesn’t see Chelsea as consistent enough to win the league.

He told beIN Sports: “Personally I would put them just behind City. The second best team to have a good chance to win the Premiership [sic]. Man City at some stage will focus highly on the Champions League.”

City’s European ambition is likely to be a key focus for Pep Guardiola’s side, and Wenger noted that it could present an opportunity for Arsenal to sneak in for domestic success for the first time in almost two decades. However, he felt that Arsenal had shown enough to put them ahead of other contenders for the Premier League.

“We don’t know about Liverpool, but they’re already 11 points behind,” Wenger said. “10 points behind Man City is a mountain to climb.

“Chelsea doesn’t look consistent at the moment. They have not found the confidence to contend to win the league.”

He rounded off by laughing, as he said: “Tottenham by my DNA, I cannot give you [a prediction]”, which earned the appreciation of fellow pundit, and former Chelsea captain, John Terry.

Chelsea have played a game less than Arsenal and Manchester City, as the Blues have gotten 13 points from 7 games – 8 points behind leaders, Arsenal.