Mancini: Arsenal can challenge for title

Roberto Mancini sees Arsenal as a genuine threat to Manchester City’s hopes of retaining the Barclays Premier League crown.

Like City, the Gunners have eight points from their opening four games and with Arsene Wenger hoping Arsenal can mount a title challenge he will be looking for his side to take points away from the champions when they visit the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Much has been written about Arsenal’s title chances following the summer exits of Robin Van Persie and Alex Song, with Lukas Podolski claiming it is too early to be talking in terms of the championship, but Mancini believes they have the ability to cope without both players and is expecting the Gunners to mount a big challenge this year.

“Arsenal can compete for the title this season. They are better than last season, even if they lost some good players,” Mancini said.

“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.”

City have not lost in the Premier League since they were defeated 1-0 by the Gunners in April.