Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says his side are back on all cylinders ahead of a “big and beautiful” meeting with Manchester United on Wednesday.
The Gunners have won their last three games following a dip in form and go into midweek games in second place – albeit nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
Arteta said: “We are on a good run and we have good momentum again, it will be a big and beautiful match against Manchester United.
“We are still very early in the season. Any team that has the ability to put wins in a row has a chance. I think anything is possible.”
The title challenge may be beyond United – who are six points clear of ninth-placed Arsenal – but Arteta does not believe champions Manchester City should be counted out.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been on a terrible run and have dropped to fifth – but have won the league in each of the last four seasons.
Arteta said: “They are a team with the ability to turn it around and win, win, win, with how much quality they have.”
Arteta is waiting to see how the front four of Gabriel, Mikel Merino, Thomas Partey and Riccardo Calafiori fare before naming his squad, but said they all want to play.
“Sakha is more consistent”
Bukayo Saka is a sure-fire starter after bagging two assists and a goal in the thrashing 5-2 win at West Ham at the weekend.
Xhaka has already scored and assisted in four different Premier League games this season and Arteta says his consistency is the key to success.
“In terms of the numbers, yes, there is an improvement,” Arteta said.
“We see a change from Bukayo every year. It is more and more consistent. It can only improve and only get better. He wants more.”
