Arsenal told they are still far from being Premier League favourites

The Gunners have maintained their second spot in the EPL standings with a string of excellent performances in recent weeks.

Liverpool legend John Barnes is not convinced of Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League title despite their excellent form.

On Saturday, Arsenal claimed a 5-0 win over Burnley to stay two points behind Liverpool at the top of the league table. The Gunners extended their winning streak in the Premier League to five games with another dominating performance.

However, Barnes believes it’s too early to call Mikel Arteta’s side the title favourites.

“City are the favourites, I make Liverpool the second favourites,” he told Premier League Productions. “Arsenal were in a better position last year, but I’ve said since the Premier League started: March, April is when you really start to look at who the runners and riders are.”

The weekend’s results saw City stumble with a surprising 1-1 draw against Chelsea, slipping two points behind Arsenal, albeit with a game at hand.

Barnes added: “Liverpool for me are the closest challengers because there are certain games where Liverpool haven’t played well but have got a result.

“Arsenal have to play well to win and if they don’t play well they may not win, and that is why as much as they’re doing well now. I still think it’s between Man City and Liverpool.”

Arsenal return to the Champions League with a match against Porto on Wednesday before hosting Newcastle in their next league game three days later.