Tony Pulis: Arsenal Have the Advantage in the Title Race and Are Very Solid Without the Ball

Speaking in an interview with football.london, Tony Pulis said that as defending champions, Arsenal have a greater advantage than their rivals in the race for the Premier League title this season.

Arsenal won their first league title since 2004 last season and further strengthened their squad this summer by signing Guimaraes, Konsa and Tzolis. Arteta's team made a perfect start to the new season, and in their most recent match Arsenal came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1. Arsenal are currently second in the table, while Manchester City sit top after winning their opening three matches.

Pulis believes Manchester City and other potential title challengers are still some distance behind Arsenal at the moment. He said: "I think the biggest difference between Arsenal and the other teams near the top of the table right now is that Arsenal look very, very solid without the ball. And once they lose possession, their recovery speed and ability to restore their shape are as good as any team."

Pulis said: "Arteta's coaching has been outstanding. They move forward very quickly, but as soon as they lose the ball, they immediately get back behind it, and the speed is incredible. This team looks very difficult to break down. Look at the game against Chelsea the other day, and then look at Manchester City and Liverpool; they still look somewhat vulnerable against counter-attacks. I don't think Arsenal will be like that. I think Arsenal are very well prepared."

Pulis added that uncontrollable factors such as injuries and refereeing decisions could change the title race, but Arsenal currently look very strong. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast about Arsenal's win over Chelsea, Alan Shearer said Arsenal have a very strong defence, with the back four working well together, maintaining a compact shape, and supported by an excellent goalkeeper, which could be the best defence in world football. Shearer believes Chelsea and Manchester City are Arsenal's biggest rivals for the title, but he favors Manchester City more.