If they are still in the mix by January, according to former Arsenal captain Thierry Henry, they can be regarded as title contenders.

After their first eight games, Mikel Arteta's team sits atop the standings with 21 points.

Henry responded to a question from CBS Sports about whether he thinks Arsenal will return by saying, "What is it—eight league games? I'd say it's time to resume competing.

A team that can compete is something that is nice to see.

When you pass Boxing Day and Christmas, it will be different because of the World Cup, but when you pass January and you're still up there, competing for the title, then you're a title contender, in my opinion. It's not because it's Arsenal or any other team.