Former Valencia midfielder Gaizka Mendieta doesn’t believe Arsenal are consistent enough to challenge for the league title this season.
This season’s title race in England is already shaping up to one of the tightest in recent years, with none of the teams looking like a shoe-in to lift the trophy in May, next year.
While Manchester City have faltered after a great start to the season, Chelsea’s lack of form early in the campaign has given hope to teams such as Manchester United and Arsenal to get into the reckoning.
Mendieta feels it is still between Manchester City and Chelsea, while Manchester United could also make their presence felt if their squad gel well enough.
While Chelsea are still a contender for him, he feels with any more dropped points it will be too late for them to stage a comeback in this year’s race.
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Speaking exclusively to Inside Futbol, Mendieta said: “For me it’s about City, Chelsea and maybe Manchester United, but it’s difficult with so many new players in the squad.
“It was about Chelsea and City. Chelsea started well, but in the reality there is a big difference. Every game that Chelsea don’t pick up, gives a big advantage to City.”
While he feels Arsenal are getting stronger, he doesn’t believe they can be consistent enough over the course of the season to win the league title.
“Arsenal are still not contenders for the title. They are getting stronger and stronger, but are not at the level of City and Chelsea.
He does accept Arsenal's 3-0 win over Manchester United last weekend showed what the Gunners can do, but doubts their consistency over the long haul.
“It is [a game which showed their quality]. That’s the sort of the game they would have lost in the past or they would have dropped points. It’s a long season and for me they are not challenging. [They lack] consistency.
“The quality players they have can perform against the big clubs, but they are still dropping points in places they shouldn't like West Ham United for a team that has aspirations for the title.”
