Arsenal already have one hand on the Premier League title after beating Liverpool at Anfield.
That is according to former Premier League defender Ashley Williams, who believes the champions are effectively in a league of their own.
The Gunners moved three points clear of City after their 1-0 win over Liverpool.
Kai Havertz’s first half goal proved to be the winner as they secured their first Premier League victory at Anfield since 2012.
It leaves the Reds nine points adrift of Arsenal, whilst Brighton and Chelsea are both five points off the pace.
Meanwhile, the Seagulls are the only team to take points off of Mikel Arteta’s side, who have won eight of their nine matches to date.
Is the title race already over?
Williams does not expect Brighton to be able to keep in touch with the defending champions throughout the campaign, though.
Instead, he believes the title picture can already be considered a ‘one-horse race’.
Speaking on The Final Word, he admitted: “We’ve seen other teams win the league like Leicester but I don’t think Brighton can topple Arsenal this season.
“Before the season started I said it was a one-horse race and then I thought maybe it wasn’t but now I’m back to thinking it’s just Arsenal.”
Williams continued: “It feels like a bit of a statement win, doesn’t it?
“We’ve become accustomed to this; Arsenal get the job done.
“Not to say that they weren’t good either, by the way. They were very good. They defended very well.
“They also created more chances but you’ve got to go there at places like Anfield and dig in. It’s hard to play at Anfield.
“I don’t care what team you are in the world. You go there, you dig in, you get your points, you get back on the bus happy. So, massive, massive win for Arsenal today.”
Arteta verdict on Arsenal win
Prior to Sunday’s victory, Arsenal had not won at Anfield in the Premier League since September 2012.
On that occasion, current manager Arteta was in the Gunners’ starting line-up as they came away 2-0 winners.
Reflecting on the importance of ending their Merseyside drought after the match, he said: “It’s been a long time, it’s been too long.
“So everybody attached to the football club should feel very, very proud because of the difficulty of the task that we had today.
“After getting out of the cup in the manner that we did and then being able to come here four days later and perform, compete and earn the right to win the game, tells you the story of of the beautiful game that we are involved in and how crazy and made it can drive you.
“That’s why I think it’s important to stay emotionally in control, otherwise it’s difficult to handle, but I’m extremely proud of what the boys have done.”
Arsenal set title pace
Arsenal’s latest win sees them earn 24 points after nine matches of the current campaign.
It marks the most by a team at this stage of a Premier League season since the Gunners achieved the same tally in 2022/23.
They have only amassed more points after nine matches on two previous occasions.
Those came during the 2004/05 and 2007/08 seasons, with Arsenal accumulating 25 points under Arsene Wenger on both occasions.
However, neither campaign ended in title glory as the Gunners instead finished second and third, respectively.
