Cesc Fabregas's stunning form is perhaps the biggest reason for Arsenal's superb start.

The 20-year-old Spaniard has always been an excellent passer and this year he has made 558 passes and found his team-mates with 79% of them.

But he has also developed as a goalscoring threat from midfield, which Arsenal have lacked since the departure of Robert Pires.

Fabregas has scored nine goals this season already, with five coming in the Champions League and four in the Premier League - whereas he managed only four goals in all competitions in the previous campaign.