‘It is not normal’ – Micah Richards makes huge Arsenal claim ahead of Chelsea clash | Football

Micah Richards claims Arsenal have the ‘best squad in Europe’ and says Mikel Arteta’s most potent weapon is ‘not normal’.

The Gunners have enjoyed a sensational first-half to the season and sit six points clear at the highest of the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s trip to Chelsea.

Arteta’s side have lost only once all season – mockingly to floundering defending champions Liverpool – but may have their cushion cut to 3 points if second-placed Chelsea win at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal have been equally impressed in Europe and maintained their perfect begin to the Champions League on Wednesday night with a 3-1 win over German champions Bayern Munich.

The Gunners are the one team within the Champions League to win their opening five games and have remarkably conceded only one goal thus far.

Richards was hugely impressed by Arsenal’s victory over Bayern Munich – who tasted defeat for the primary time this season – and declared Arteta’s squad on the Emirates Stadium because the ‘best in Europe’.

The previous England defender also said Arsenal’s threat from set-pieces is ‘not normal’.

Arsenal have scored 11 goals via set-pieces this season, two greater than some other side, with their next opponents Chelsea second on nine.

Analysing Arsenal’s form on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards said: ‘How good are Arsenal, by the way in which?

‘Their threat at set-pieces is just not normal, how are you going to get the delivery right each time? It’s not normal. I don’t understand how they’re doing it.

‘They’ve got just a few injuries but they’re coping because they’ve got the perfect squad in Europe. Possibly not the perfect XI when everyone seems to be fit but when it comes to the squad, it’s good.

‘They appear special this season. A few seasons ago Rob Holding got here in for an enormous game and he wasn’t great. But now you’ve got [Piero] Hincapie and [Cristian] Mosquera who’re each doing ever so well.

‘The squad is just ridiculous and so powerful. They will make just a few changes and the usual doesn’t drop, the squad is just amazing.’

Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer echoed Richards’ comments by declaring Arsenal’s squad ‘undoubtedly’ the perfect within the Premier League.

‘The one team that has been consistent has been Arsenal, whereas everyone else has been really up and down,’ Shearer told Betfair.

‘They’ve got the strongest squad there’s little question, and so they’ve had injuries, but you wouldn’t have thought that, due to quality of players that are available.

‘I mean, Madueke’s been out, he comes back on the weekend, after which scores mid-week. That’s the sign that they’ve got a extremely strong squad.

‘They may imagine that they’ll win it [the Premier League], and so they’ll also say that there’s still such an extended method to go, and that’s what they must say.

‘But Arsenal have been the standout team by an absolute mile on the minute. In every competition, mainly, within the Champions League and within the league.’

Arsenal’s hopes of a primary Premier League title since 2004 have been boosted by a shocking dip from defending champions Liverpool.

Arne Slot’s side suffered a 4-1 defeat to PSV through the week and have now lose nine of their last 12 games – the club’s worst run since 1953.

Manchester City have also shown a fragility that threatens to blow their title challenge, dropping points in five of their 12 league games thus far.

Arsenal’s upcoming opponents Chelsea look set to mount a real title challenge, nevertheless, winning five of their last six games and thumping Barcelona within the Champions League.

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