Arsene Wenger has warned Arsenal fans that it is too early to dream about a Premier League title, although his side enter today North London Derby level on points with Manchester City.
A run of six consecutive league wins has Arsenal to the summit of the table, with Wenger's side briefly claiming top spot a fortnight ago when they defeated Everton. It is a far cry from their indifferent start to the season when the Gunners managed two goals and four points in their first three games.
With pre-season favourites Chelsea having lost seven of their first 12 games Arsenal have been identified as the most likely candidates to challenge City for the league title. However Wenger has told supporters it is too early to dream of a first title since 2004.
Speaking to the club programme ahead of the visit of Tottenham he said: "If we do win today, we will be in a great position at the top of the Premier League.
"I like the kind of pressure that comes with that, but it's too early to talk about winning the league. So far, we've played 11 games and have 25 points. It's too early.
"If there are five or six games to go, or 10 games to go, then yes, discuss it. It's too early now."
However Wenger believes his side have the hunger to compete for the top spot.
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"We want to be in the fight of course and will give absolutely everything to do it. I believe we can but it's too early."
The North London Derby could go some way to defining the hopes of both sides this season, and the Arsenal manager was pull of praise for his opponents Tottenham.
"This year they are younger, they work very hard and they will be a tough opponent again - they are every year," he said.
"I believe they have a good level of work rate. They have found stability at the back, they have the spine of the team with [Hugo] Lloris, [Jan] Vertonghen, [Toby] Alderweireld and [Eric Dier] in the middle, with [Harry] Kane up font. That stabilises them defensively."
