Patrick Vieira believes that Mikel Arteta’s side will be ‘closer to the title’ after watching them beat his Crystal Palace side at Selhurst Park on Friday.

Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners at Selhurst Park on Friday night, a vast improvement on the 3-0 drubbing they experienced there earlier this year.

Vieira’s own team had endured something of a fractured pre-season and went into this game without some key players but, overall, Arsenal were deserving victors after a strong display, second-half wobbles aside.

We can’t expect perfection, at least not yet.

Speaking after the game, Vieira was clearly impressed, although he might have been high on the love that flowed from the Arsenal fans during the match as they serenaded him louder than the home fans.

“They are in a better place than last year,” said Vieira. “The new players have made them much stronger.

“They have the squad to challenge and be closer to the title.”

Next up for Arsenal is their first home game of the new season when they welcome Leicester to the Emirates on Saturday for a 3pm kick-off.