Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has suggested that defensive problems could cost Mikel Arteta’s side the title.
Gallas captained Arsenal as well as playing for Chelsea and Tottenham, the latter of whom Arsenal play this weekend in Sunday’s North London Derby.
Spurs have started well under Ange Postecoglou, and Arsenal are yet to match the early-season form that saw them challenge for the title for the first time in years.
The Frenchman told Genting Casino that defensive weakness could be a key weakness for Arsenal this year.
He said: "It looks like Arsenal haven’t improved defensively this season. I was very disappointed with the goal that Arsenal conceded at home to Fulham – that was a mistake we’ve seen Arsenal make year-after-year. When you’re trying to win the league, you can’t drop points at home to Fulham.
“You have to win that game. The result against Fulham gave me a sense of deja vu. Unfortunately, I don’t think that this Arsenal team has the look of champions.
“I don’t think that this is a title-winning side because they haven’t improved on the basics.”
Gallas also believes that Arsenal are now in danger of being found out, and teams may prepare better when facing them.
He explained: “I think Arsenal are still trying to play fluid football, but the big difference (between now and last season) is that Arsenal’s opponents know exactly what they have to do against them to disrupt their play and that is a problem that they’re going to have to overcome this season.
“The opposition are more compact; they are stronger. They know that for 90 minutes Arsenal are going to dominate the ball, so most weeks Arsenal will be playing against teams set up to play on the counter-attack.
“Arsenal must create more chances. I think Arsenal will be looking to score as many early goals as possible so that teams are then forced to come and attack them.”