Arsenal face Premier League title race reality with Liverpool and Man City point proven

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Arsenal managed to strengthen their position at the summit of the Premier League table after securing a 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Burnley . Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice both found the target to ensure Mikel Arteta's squad claimed crucial three points away from home, as the Gunners maintained their early-season title charge.

The triumph leaves Arsenal six points ahead of their title rivals following 10 top-flight matches, though the harsh reality remains that Manchester City and Liverpool won't surrender without a fight, as both returned to winning ways this weekend.

Pep Guardiola's squad emerged as 3-1 victors against Bournemouth , with Erling Haaland netting twice either side of Tyler Adams' strike for Andoni Iraola's team.

Centre-back Nico O'Reilly contributed a third goal on the hour to settle the contest, as Man City climbed to second place in the standings.

The commanding win over an impressive Bournemouth outfit represents the strongest indication yet that Guardiola's players are genuinely returning to their best form and will present Arsenal with a genuine title challenge this campaign.

"I like the team for many things and I give incredible credit to the victory because Bournemouth are in a good phase," Guardiola said at his post-match press conference.

"They had only lost one game. They play minute one and minute 95 in the same rhythm. If you are not clever and lose sloppy balls, in transition, nobody can stop them - Brooks and Semenyo are top-class players.

"The talent we had behind the lines, especially Erling, made the difference. We embraced the challenge that they do. We tried to play the game that always we tried to do with a lot of passes and find the right moment but it was difficult for us because they are so aggressive and they have so much energy.

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"Hopefully Arsenal can concede a goal one day. It's not easy to face them. I had the feeling since the World Cup that we were in a good moment.

"It's just 10 games, still 28 to play. Many things are going to happen but the important feeling is to be better and better."

Meanwhile, Liverpool ended their dreadful streak of matches without victory by beating Aston Villa 2-0 at Anfield.

Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch both scored for Arne Slot's team as the Reds bounced back following a miserable period.

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The Merseyside outfit, much like Manchester City, trail the Gunners by six points and climbed to third following their triumph over Unai Emery's squad, though both teams could slip a place should Sunderland overcome Everton at the Stadium of Light tonight.

Arsenal are due to meet the Black Cats next weekend before the upcoming international break, with Arteta sure to be monitoring developments closely during these early stages of the title battle.

Whilst another 28 matches remain this campaign, the Gunners currently hold pole position.