Granit Xhaka has stated that Arsenal can catch Premier League leaders Manchester City and compete for the title this season.

The Gunners currently sit sixth in the table, only four points behind Manchester United in second place, but a full 12 adrift of the Citizens at the summit.

Whilst many are already writing off the hopes of the chasing pack given Pep Guardiola’s side’s recent run of form, Xhaka believes that it is still possible that Arsenal could be in the hunt for England’s top prize come May.

“I think in football everything is possible,” the central midfielder told Sky Sports.

“Manchester City, at the moment, are on a very good run, they’re doing very well and others have dropped points, which they haven’t done, but it’s conceivable that they could drop points as well.”

Xhaka has played a part in each of Arsenal’s 12 league fixtures so far this term, picking up three assists and three yellow cards in that time.

The most recent of those clashes was against fierce North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, with the Gunners ultimately triumphing 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

That result proved that Arsene Wenger’s men can mix it with the best in England’s top flight, but whether they can do it on a consistent enough basis to trouble City remains to be seen.

In the meeting between the pair at the Etihad Stadium at the start of November the home side triumphed 3-1, although not without the help of some questionable refereeing decisions.

Xhaka is starting to showcase his dominance in the centre of the park for Arsenal and if the Switzerland international can curtail his at-times questionable temperament, the Gunners supporters can hopefully start to see the best out of him.

In terms of a Premier League title challenge, talk of becoming champions may well be premature.

Arsenal recorded a good result against Spurs and put in a strong performance – but moving into a busy festive spell, consistency is the key.

A few consecutive wins could move the North London side into the top four again and from there qualifying for the Champions League should be a minimum objective.

Next up for Arsenal is a trip to Germany to take on FC Cologne in the Europa League on Thursday, with only a point required to secure qualification for the knockout stages as Group H winners.

They follow that up with a tricky away fixture in the Premier League to take on high-flying Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday.