England defender Kyle Walker showed the first sign that Manchester City are starting to become concerned about Arsenal's title charge in his exchange with Gunners superstar Bukayo Saka.
The two greeted each other as they reported for Three Lions duty before jetting off to Qatar for the World Cup later this month. Both were all smiles while shaking hands before Walker asked the Gunners winger: "Are you guys [Arsenal] going to stop winning?"
Saka did little more than laugh before adding: "Don't worry about that bro, are you feeling good?", in footage that will surely delight Arsenal fans everywhere. Those seven words from Walker are perhaps the clearest indicator yet that regardless of what fans and pundits may think - City are taking Arsenal seriously.
Mikel Arteta's men have enjoyed a sensational start to the season that sees them go into this World Cup break sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League, five points ahead of nearest challengers City. Arsenal have lost just once in the Premier League, away at Manchester United in early September.
Since then, the only other time the Gunners have dropped points in the league came in the form of a 1-1 draw also on the road at Southampton. Arsenal have been near flawless and Saka has played a huge part in that.
The 21-year-old England star is currently sitting on four league goals and six assists - a healthy return of 10 goal contributions in 14 games.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Man City be worried about Arsenal at this stage? Comment below
Gareth Southgate will hope he can carry that kind of form with him into the World Cup, while Arteta is likely to just be keeping his fingers crossed he returns without any injury.
There is an argument that this suspension to the Premier League calendar comes at the worst time for Arsenal, as they appear to be going from strength to strength each week and building the kind of momentum that could put them in a strong position to win a first league title in 18 years.
In contrast, City come into the break off the back of a surprise home defeat by Brentford that saw a 97th-minute Ivan Toney winner blow the title race wide open.
Arsenal held their nerve later that night to beat Wolves 2-0 away from home and extend the gap at the top, which has obviously sparked some discomfort over at the Etihad as they look to lift their fifth league title in six years.
Speaking before that loss to Brentford, City boss Pep Guardiola waxed lyrical over the Gunners, explaining: "Last season they were not a contender to win the Premier League, this season they will be.
"Mikel, we worked together three years but he was taught since he was born and has experiences in England. Maybe I learned more off him when we worked together. Arsenal has the work ethic, the talent, the support."
