Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says Leicester City deserve to be in third place.
The Gunners travel to Leicester on Sunday and Arteta says there is "no luck" about the Foxes' development.
"They've been really consistent in the league," said Arteta.
"I think they've done a lot of good things, there's not any luck or anything like that in how they've developed as a team. Obviously they have a really good manager, a great coaching staff and they have made a lot of good decisions in the last few seasons.
"They have built a way of playing which is completely suited to their recruitment policy they have, and with a bit of time the quality that they had already in the team - plus some young talents that they have recruited and experienced players they already have - they have a really good mixture.
"I think they totally deserve the position they are in at the moment."
Arteta says victory over Europa League opponents Benfica has given his side "hope" of achieving something this season.
"I think it was really important for all of us, because it is a competition that opens a few doors for us in terms of having the possibility to win a trophy and qualify for the Champions League," said Arteta.
"Obviously it is all the time in our mind because we know our league position at the moment, that has to improve dramatically but if we do well in this competition it gives us an extra chance and a hope to achieve something this season."
