Joe Cole believes that there is only thing which could prevent Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal from ‘running away’ with the Premier League this season.

Five straight league wins, as well as eight in their first ten, have seen Arsenal open up a six-point lead at the top of the table.

Only Manchester City have scored more goals than the Gunners in the league so far this season, but their superb form has largely been predicated on their remarkable defence, which has kept eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.

Arteta’s side face a potentially awkward visit to The Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Saturday but could temporarily move nine points clear at the top of the table.

And that would pile the pressure on both City and Liverpool, who meet on Sunday in a mouthwatering clash between second and third in the league.

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Regardless of the weekend’s action, Arsenal will head...