Patrick Vieira believes Arsenal are one of the teams challenging for the Premier League title, after facing the Gunners earlier this month.

NORWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Patrick Vieira, Manager of Crystal Palace looks on during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Crystal Palace at Carrow Road on February 09, 2022 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
NORWICH, ENGLAND: Patrick Vieira, Manager of Crystal Palace looks on during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Crystal Palace at Carrow Road on February 09, 2022. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Arsenal travelled to Selhurst Park on the opening day of the Premier League season, grinding out a 2-0 win over Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace side.

At the time, that looked like no more than a decent result, but Palace have since held Liverpool to a draw at Anfield.

Speaking after that match, Vieira insisted he was pleased with his team’s start, despite only earning one point so far, as he thinks both Liverpool and Arsenal are Premier League title contenders.

“When you look at the number of points, of course, playing against two teams who are fighting to win the Premier League, it’s always going to be challenging,” Vieira said.

“I’m more interested about the performances, and I think today we showed character, we showed personality, and we showed a lot of discipline that will help us to win football matches.”

Vieira had said something similar after the Arsenal match, claiming: “They have the squad to challenge and be closer to the title.”

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: Patrick Vieira, Manager of Crystal Palace applauds the fans following victory in the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace at Molineux on March 05, 2022 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND: Patrick Vieira, Manager of Crystal Palace applauds the fans following victory in the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace at Molineux on March 05, 2022. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Manchester City are still the clear favourites to win the Premier League, with Liverpool as the most likely alternative. But the bookies have started to list Arsenal as the third-favourites, ahead of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United.

We can’t get carried away, as it’s still so early in the season and Arsenal haven’t played against any of the big-six sides yet.

But it’s nice to be able to dream a little bigger at the start of a season.

If Arsenal can make a genuine push at the top of the table, it’ll make it easier to finish in the Champions League places if and when that title charge falters.