The Gunners have come close to lifting the crown in each of the last two seasons, only to be pipped by Manchester City on both occasions. Mikel Arteta will be looking to challenge for the title once more this year, but they are at a pivotal moment in the season already.
Just three games into the new campaign, Arsenal are being told they must beat their north London rivals Tottenham or face another season without the title. That is the view of Graeme Souness, who thinks the North London Derby is a "must-win for both sides".
Arsenal are already two points off the pace at the top of the table after only drawing with Brighton & Hove Albion in the match before the international break. Declan Rice's first red card of his career played a big part in that, but more dropped points against Spurs on Sunday would see them fall further behind in the race for the title so early on in the season.
Speaking on William Hill's Three Up Front podcast, Souness said: "This North London Derby is a must-win for both Arsenal and Tottenham so early on this season. You can imagine if Arsenal were to lose, that’d be their hopes of winning the league over already."
Troy Deeney was also on the podcast, and he believes the injury and suspension concerns Arsenal have could hurt them. The Gunners are definitely without Rice and new signing Mikel Merino, with captain Martin Odegaard also ruled out by the Norway national team, if not by Arsenal just yet.
Deeney said: "Arsenal are without Declan Rice and Mikel Merino in midfield on Sunday, which is going to take a massive toll on their squad – this is a must-win game for them.
"Manchester City don’t look like they’re slowing down, they’re getting better and better. They’ve still got the likes of John Stones to add back into the team – their best players are still yet to come."
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