Arsenal hero Nigel Winterburn says the coming month is crucial to their Premier League title hopes.
Winterburn hopes Arsenal are still in the mix as the World Cup begins in November
The Highbury hero, who won three league titles, told The Sun: “It would be a huge disappointment if Arsenal finished outside the top four, with the start that they've had.
“At the start of the season, I said that top four is what Arsenal need and they also needed a big run, if not two big runs in the cup competitions.
“From what they've done so far in the league, they've set themselves up beautifully.
“League-wise, I know it's early and we can get carried away but the way that they've played, I would expect them to be inside the top four at the end of the season.
“Everybody still thinks that Manchester City are the team to beat, especially with their squad depth too.
“With Erling Haaland in their team, they have a different dimension again this season with the goals he's scoring.
“If we [Arsenal] are not top of the league when we stop for the World Cup, I'd hope that we're very close behind and that would be a sensational start to the season.
“If Arsenal can keep this form going, then I certainly believe that they can put some pressure on City. But we don't know if Arsenal can keep it going.
“They had a poor start last season, then they had a great run and when they set themselves up to finish the season off, it fell apart.
“Mikel Arteta has to be wary of that but from what I'm seeing, and with the atmosphere inside the stadium, this is a different Arsenal this season."