Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes Arsenal are serious title contenders this season, ahead of their meeting on Sunday.
The Gunners put their title credentials on the line when they travel to reigning champions City.
The Gunners have made an unbeaten start to the season and currently sit third in the table after four games.
Arsene Wenger's men were written off in the Championship chase after selling key duo Robin van Persie and Alex Song in the summer, but Mancini believes the current Arsenal side are better despite the departures of the pair and that the pressure is off them.
"Arsenal can compete for the title this season," said Mancini.
"They are better than last season, even if they lost some good players.
"Maybe, because of that, there is less pressure on them this season.
"They lost van Persie and Song, but the players they have brought in have experience and quality."
