Sunderland host Arsenal this weekend.
Sunderland boss David Moyes does not necessarily think Arsenal are any stronger this season compared to last year despite spending big sums during the summer, the club’s official website report.
The Gunners added to their squad with the arrivals of Granit Xhaka, Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez – three players who cost them north of £80 million, if figures in the Daily Mail are to be believed.
Despite an opening day defeat at home to Liverpool, Arsenal have since taken 20 points from their last eight matches leaving them joint on points with leaders Manchester City heading in to this weekend’s game.
When quizzed on their improvements, though, Moyes surprisingly suggests they are not necessarily stronger than last season before predicting them to be among the contenders for the title.
“I don’t know if it’s anything with them necessarily being stronger, I think Arsenal were strong last year. I think they have been contenders for winning the league certainly for most years I can remember,” he told safc.com.
“Maybe they’ve not done it, but they’ve always been contenders. Last year they came very close, and I’ve no doubt they will come very close again this year.”
Arsenal drew at home to Middlesbrough last weekend, putting an end to a six-game winning run which has seen them surge up the Premier League table and into second spot.
Sunderland, on the other hand, are still searching for their first win of the season as just two draws in nine games has left them at the foot of the table and five points from safety.
Evidence would suggest that Arsenal are stronger this year with more competiton for places, yet only time will tell if they have enough to finally end their long wait to win the title.
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