Jamie Carragher believes that Mikel Arteta deserves credit for generating an incredible atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium - a feat that other Arsenal managers failed to achieve.
Arteta has endured some difficult times since replacing Unai Emery at the helm back in December 2019. He was even believed to be under pressure just months ago, with some disgruntled fans believing that the Spaniard should pay the ultimate price after the club's late collapse last season cost them a Champions League place.
But Arsenal kept faith with Arteta's process - and they have been rewarded handsomely. The Gunners have flown out of the blocks this season to set the pace at the summit of the Premier League. Sunday's statement victory over Liverpool means the Gunners have taken 24 points from a possible 27 after dropping points just once so far this term.
And Carragher, who was analysing the game on Monday Night Football, pointed out the remarkable "energy" that has been present at the Emirates this year.
Arsenal moved to their new home from Highbury back in 2006. The lack of energy at the new stadium has been criticised on numerous occasions, but Sunday's game generated a frenetic atmosphere - something Carragher stressed he had not seen since at the ground under the club's previous managers.
"I feared that going into the game, that they would have too much intensity and pace for Liverpool and I think that was proven," he told Sky Sports. "In terms of Arsenal, I think you know I've always been a fan of what Mikel Arteta is doing there or trying to do. I love the energy of the team, the bravery of going with those young players last year, and I just love the energy in the stadium right now.
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"That's something I haven't seen since I've been doing this job and looking at Arsenal. There's an energy there, there's a togetherness. The song that they sing, 'North London Forever' by Louis Dunford, listening to it, you just feel something."
Sunday's meeting with Liverpool was the biggest test of Arsenal's title credentials that the club have encountered so far this season. The Gunners headed into the match full of confidence, though, after dispatching Tottenham in the north London derby last week.
And Roy Keane, who was analysing along Carragher in the Sky studio, believes that Arteta's side have now proven that they are the biggest threat to Manchester City, who are hunting a fifth title in six years.
Keane added: "They are playing with confidence, they have got some physicality. They have good experience in midfield and young players full of talent. They are scoring goals, they have an electric ground and at the moment they are the biggest challenge to Man City."
