Arsenal legend Alan Smith thinks his former club’s ability to keep clean sheets gives them an “edge” over Manchester City in the title race.

The Gunners’ rivals lost 2-1 to Aston Villa last weekend. It was their first defeat of the season, but they have already conceded 4 more goals than Mikel Arteta’s side in the first 8 games.

Speaking exclusively to Gooner News (courtesy of Best Betting Sites UK) about City’s defensive vulnerabilities, Smith said:

“They’re not a team at the moment, City, that look like they can just sit and frustrate the opposition. There have been some mistakes at the back. Marc Guehi’s made a few, unlike him. And Villa took their chances really well. So that’s an area Arsenal have the edge. You could argue City, with Cherki and Semenyo, and those boys that can change a tight game, might just have the edge going forward. But yeah, defensively, definitely Arsenal, and they’re the best defence in Europe.”

Are Arsenal favourites to retain the Premier League title?

Statisticians Opta have given Arsenal a probability of 56.17% of finishing top of the table, while City’s chances are rated at only 32.82%, despite the two clubs currently being level on points.

There is clearly more confidence that the reigning champions can maintain their current level of performance compared to their title rivals.

Saliba’s return should strengthen the Gunners’ title credentials

It should be pointed out that Arteta’s men still have the best defence in the top flight despite having started the season without one of their top defenders – William Saliba.

The France international has been sidelined with a back injury since the World Cup, but there is now confidence that the centre-back will return to full training just before or just after the next international break in November.

There is a chance that Saliba could play City when the two sides face each other at the Emirates before the end of next month.