Arsene Wenger gives honest verdict on Mikel Arteta’s current Arsenal team

Arsenal have opened the campaign in outstanding fashion.

Top of the Premier League after 12 matches and leading the Champions League first phase with authority, the Gunners have earned widespread praise for their consistency.

Opta have even installed them as favourites to win both competitions – a remarkable prospect given even Wenger’s celebrated teams never managed such a feat.

Speaking to CNN in Doha in his capacity as FIFA’s Head of Global Football Development, Wenger was asked for his assessment of Arsenal.

He then responded: “They don’t need me, but I’m a big supporter.”

When pressed on their title hopes, Wenger did not hesitate: “Of course. They are the best team at the moment!”

Arsenal’s ambitions should stretch beyond the Premier League alone

Wenger’s appraisal is not far off. Right now, Arsenal are playing as convincingly as any side in world football. Their Premier League form has been superb, and they look well placed to contest the title deep into the spring.

Yet, with an immaculate Champions League start to match, the Spaniard should surely be targeting more than domestic success.

The squad now boasts at least two elite-level options in virtually every position, giving Arsenal the depth required to fight on both fronts without compromise.

Should Arteta deliver either – or both – of those trophies, his legacy at the Emirates would be cemented.