Expectations are high for Arsenal this season after finishing second in the Premier League in the previous three seasons.
Added to the pressure for Mikel Arteta's side is the big investment into the squad over the summer, with Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi among the major acquisitions.
The Gunners have made an efficient start to their league campaign, winning three out of the opening four games, leaving the team in second place.
A comfortable 3-0 win over Burnley on Saturday (September 13) solidified fans' hopes for the 2025/26 season.
League leaders Liverpool are the only side to have caused a setback for Arteta's men so far, winning 1-0 in the meeting between the two sides before the September international break.
Former Arsenal player on upcoming fixtures for Arteta's side
After Arsenal begin their Champions League campaign on Tuesday away to Athletic Bilbao, the team will resume domestic duties on Sunday (September 21) at home against Manchester City.
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Arteta's side will then face a tough trip away to Newcastle United the following weekend (September 28).
Ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson believes that if his former team can pick up positive results in these next two league games, they will be seen as the favourites for the Premier League title.
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"If they get through these next couple of weeks, I see them as the team. They are the ones. You go advantage Arsenal," Merson claimed in his latest Sky Sports column.
"They have got ample quality to win the league," the former England international added.
Merson's confidence in Arteta's team stems from how well they performed away to Liverpool, despite losing that game.
"They were very good against Liverpool. That's the most comfortable I've seen Arsenal at Anfield in 20 years. Liverpool didn't look like scoring and then Dominik Szoboszlai scores from nothing," he explained.
Additionally, Merson has not been impressed with Liverpool, even with the current Premier League holders and favoured title contenders winning all four league matches so far.
"I'm unsure about Liverpool, they should be mid-table. They've been gifted six points. There is a lot of work for Arne Slot to do. Teams are getting at Liverpool."