"Real deal" - Michael Owen makes Premier League title prediction as Arsenal move five points clear of Man City

Former England and Liverpool striker Michael Owen has said he still expects Manchester City to win the Premier League this season despite Arsenal's fantastic start.

But Arteta's men are yet to play the defending champions this season.

Michael Owen: They are the favourites

Owen, who won the Premier League himself with Manchester United in the 2010-11 season, believes City are still favourites to win the title despite Arsenal's strong start.

"It’s crept up on us really. They have been steadily improving over the last few years but there’s been a massive improvement this season," Owen said.

"I still think that Manchester City are the best team, I still think that they are the favourites to win the title.

"But that defeat to Brentford has all of a sudden given a few teams that might have thought they were out of it a little gee up maybe."

Arteta was asked whether his side were in the title race when his side beat Chelsea earlier this month.

He said: “We are today.

“But in football, today and tomorrow is very different. So let’s enjoy the time.

“We are getting much better as a team and competing much better. We are getting really good results right now, but this is a long, long [season]," he added.