I’ve always like Carlo Ancelotti, even though he was a Chelsea manager, and the man who guided the Blues to the league and cup double in 2010 has said that Arsenal are the ones to watch in this year’s campaign.

Chelsea crashed to their fifth league defeat in just 10 games against West Ham on Saturday but the scoreline only tells half the story. Losing the plot, they had Matic sent off while Jose Mourinho and his coach were also sent to the stands.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Carlo Ancelotti speaks during the Leaders Under 40 Awards at National History Museum on October 6, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images).
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 06: Carlo Ancelotti speaks during the Leaders Under 40 Awards at National History Museum on October 6, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images).

Arsenal, in contrast, have picked themselves up from their dodgy start and now sit in second place in the table, level on points with City but with an inferior goal difference.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ancelotti, one of only two managers to win the European Cup three times, said “I didn’t expect this crisis, but I do understand the reasons behind these problems. I think they are feeling sated.

“Last year they won by a mile, now they are more relaxed. Don’t worry, Mourinho will sort it out. He is the right man.

“Manchester City are the most complete squad in the Premier League, but every now and then they go off piste. They are not 100 per cent reliable.

“I’d watch out for Arsenal. Arsene Wenger did well to change their system, so he waits and counters to get the best out of the pace of Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez.”

Much has been made about Arsenal’s ability to last the distance in a league title fight but what is often ignored are the number of injuries the club have suffered over the past five years.

As we saw in the second half of last season, when Arsene Wenger has the majority of his squad at his disposal, they are a match for anyone and are currently the 2015 Calendar Kings.