Have Arsenal's challengers done enough?

Chief football writer Phil McNulty byline banner
  • Published

Arsenal have started the new Premier League season with two wins as the transfer window closes, looking in ominous shape to retain the crown they won for the first time in 22 years last season.

Have their main rivals done enough to prevent Mikel Arteta's side winning a second successive title?

And what are the other big issues as the Premier League's transfer business was concluded until January?

After addressing their attack last summer when they brought in Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, United's window this time has been about midfield renewal as Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba were signed.

Is it enough to make United serious contenders after Michael Carrick took them to third place and back into the Champions League last season after succeeding Ruben Amorim in a caretaker capacity?

Unlikely.

Carrick is now in permanent charge, but this has been a mixed start to the season with defeat at newly-promoted Hull City before a 5-2 win against other Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town.

United decided not to make any late moves, leaving Carrick's squad looking more like one who will realistically challenge for the top four once more but will be nowhere near the title.