Martin Keown has argued that Arsenal have not taken a step backwards this season despite Mikel Arteta's side sitting some way off runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool approaching the business end of the season.
The Gunners have challenged for the ultimate honours in the English top flight for a number of seasons, but have failed to overturn Manchester City the last two times of asking.
With Man City's autumn form far from their best, many assumed that the north London club would be ideally poised to finally secure their second Premier League title.