Managers – especially those from the Pep Guardiola coaching tree – love flattering each other before they face each other, and today we’ve had a pretty intense example of that from Mikel

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he expected Chelsea to be "contenders" to win the Premier League this season. The teams meet at Emirates Stadium on Sunday (13:30 GMT) with the Gunners currently second in the table and the Blues six points behind them in fourth.

William Gallas has urged Arsenal to sign Victor Osimhen this summer but fears Mikel Arteta lacks the personality to manage him. Arsenal’s bid for the Premier League title has floundered since the turn of the year as a consequence of the injury crisis that has robbed them of a natural goalscorer.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Sunday's opponents Chelsea and has admitted he expected more from the Blues this season

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has said he expected Chelsea to be Premier League title “contenders” this season. The two teams meet this Sunday at the Emirates Stadium, with the Gunners currently second in the table and the Blues six points behind in fourth place.