Friday 8 December 2017 15:15, UK
Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino believes it is too early to rule Arsenal out of the title race.
The Gunners have the opportunity to make up ground on Manchester City when they travel to face the Saints in the early kick-off on Sunday.
Arsenal are currently 15 points behind the league leaders, but Pellegrino believes Arsene Wenger's side can challenge for honours despite their inconsistent start to the season.
"We are more or less in the middle of the season and it is really early to make comments or draw conclusions," said Pellegrino.
"The last third of the season is the most important part. Arsenal have to have this race at the end with good performances. They are a really strong side.
"They're not in the Champions League this year but most of the time they are in Europe and are always fighting for the top four.
"They've bought important players and I think they are a really good team - they are a really difficult team to beat. They are a top team."
Charlie Austin is expected to start for the Saints after scoring three goals in his last two appearances, and Pellegrino has been impressed with the 28-year-old's progress since returning from injury.
"Hopefully he will continue in the same way now his confidence is high," said Pellegrino. "This is important for him and important for the team.
"We have to create chances to try and find in every single game different solutions, different ways to try and attack. Every team knows how to defend. Every year they are better. We have to be really clever."
Pellegrino believes Austin can challenge for a place in England's World Cup squad if he continues to impress with the Saints.
He said: "It's not just him. We've got English players with quality that can help the national team.
"It will be good if they represent England in the World Cup because it means they are playing well at Southampton."
