Mikel Arteta has unexpectedly led Arsenal to the top of the Premier League (Photo: Getty)
Former Premier League striker Glenn Murray believes it is wrong to compare Arsenal to Manchester City despite the former’s great form.
Arsenal thrashed Nottingham Forest 5-0 on Sunday to return to the top of the Premier League table, two points ahead of City after 12 games.
Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard and a brace from Reiss Nelson extended the Gunners’ winning run at the Emirates to 11 games.
Such has been their form, many now believe that Mikel Arteta’s side have what it takes to go all the way and win Arsenal’s first title since the 2003/04 season.
Murray has however urged fans to remain cautiously optimistic and thinks that the Gunners should be judged on their own achievements rather than judge them against reigning champions City.
‘Arsenal are where they are for a reason and I think we are disrespecting the group to a certain extent by constantly mentioning Manchester City,’ the former Crystal Palace and Brighton star told BBC Radio 5 Live.
‘I believe that Manchester City will stand the test of time, they’ll be there for the full duration and it’s just a question of whether this young Arsenal side can remain where they are until the end of the campaign. It’s progress.
Arsenal thrashed Nottingham Forest 5-0 on Sunday (Photo: Getty)
‘When Mikel Arteta came into the football club, it was all about making them better and getting the squad age down and starting something new and he is doing that.
‘It’s a process and every year they are getting better and better and better and if they finish in the top four it will be progression, even though right now you wouldn’t see it that way because of how they are doing.
‘A top four finish and Champions League football would be progression for this Arsenal squad.’
Arsenal will be hoping to extend their lead at the top when they travel to local rivals Chelsea next Sunday for their next league game.
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The Gunners are back at the top of the Premier League