It may be very early days in the title race with only two games played, but it seems many pundits are writing off Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League already.

Certainly the bookies seem to think so, with the Gunners priced at a general 16/1 to capture our first league title since 2004.

Is that fair in the current circumstances? The defeat to Stoke was certainly disappointing, but it might be a little premature to give up on Arsene Wenger’s men already.

If the club can hold on to Alexis Sanchez, then the forward line will look very dangerous to any defence in the Premier League as he lines up alongside new signing Alexandre Lacazette and with Mezut Ozil providing the ammunition.

Add in the supporting cast of Walcott, Giroud and Welbeck and the attack has an impressive range of options this season.

Keeping Ramsey fit will be crucial in the middle of the park after he missed nearly all of last season and the fans will want to see his partnership with Xhaka develop further this term.

Certainly the defence is an area that could do with strengthening – the 44 goals conceded last season were more than any of the other sides in the top six.

We would all like to see some new signings come in before the transfer window closes to bolster the defence as well as other areas. Thomas Lemar and Julian Draxler are two names being touted in the press as possible signings, but we will have to wait and see if Wenger will be prepared to get out the cheque book to make those additions.

Not being in the Champions League could be a blessing in disguise for our chances in the League in terms of lightening the fixture load. Although we still have the Europa League to contend with, you would have to think Wenger will primarily field the kids in those matches.

All that being said, the bookies clearly think we still have too many weaknesses to make a serious challenge for the title, particularly given how the Manchester clubs have strengthened over the Summer.

Should you back the 16/1 for us to win the title? We really couldn’t say and wouldn’t want to start offering free football tips here. But it does seem a little surprising to write us off so early in the campaign. After all, there are still 36 games to go and a lot can happen.

Here’s hoping anyway!