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Arsenal legend Graham impressed by Arteta's entertainers: But season still has long way to go

Arsenal legend George Graham warns there's still a long way to go in the Premier League title race.

The Gunners sit top of the table clear by five points.

But Graham, who won the title as both a player and manager for the Gunners, refuses to burden Mikel Arteta by making them favourites to win the Premier League.

“I think it's too early," he told the Mirror.

“There'll be games when it's tough and you've gotta dig deep. But I can see that in their play. There's been a couple of games this season I've seen this season when they've not been at their best and have managed to dig out a result."

There was no better example of that than last week's stunning last-minute win over Manchester United.

Graham continued: “I won a few trophies, but not with the style as they're playing with now. I think it's really exciting to watch and good to watch - good football.

“But that wouldn't be from my homework. Because I didn't do the attacking style they play with now. Unfortunately, I never got to that stage.

“I think they're in good hands just now. I think the coach is excellent. He has done his lesson from Pep Guardiola (as his assistant at Man City)."

The only vague criticism Graham, now a dapper 78, has for Arteta and Arsenal's latest generation of title challengers is their ability when they lose the ball.

“I think the manager is doing a great job, playing good football, very good in possession, in fact, excellent in possession. They're very good or good-ish without possession and could probably do a bit of work on that one.

“I would agree with how he has brought a sense of unity back to the club. He's a young manager like I was. He's in his first job as a coach and he's just doing a great job and an excellent job.

“Football is basically about in possession and without possession. In possession they're up there with the best and without possession, I think they could do with a few more one-nothing victories!

Arsenal is a big, big club when they're doing well AND when they're not doing well. They're a big club, one of the best .They deserve success and I think they've got the right coach."

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