Rio Ferdinand, a Manchester United star, has suggested that Arsenal should be considered the “real deal” by Manchester City.

The Gunners presently lead the Premier League table with 36 points, six more than City, who have slumped to fourth after a 1-0 loss to Aston Villa.

City is currently winless in four games and trails Liverpool and Villa on the league table.

But Ferdinand believes Pep Guardiola’s men should be concerned about Arsenal.

“I don’t think Arsenal have yet reached the level that they played at last season in terms of performance,” he remarked.

“But look where they are, so they’re not even playing particularly well, or as well as we’ve seen them consistently, and they’re still leading the league.”

“They’re an issue. They’re going to be an issue. If I’m City, I’m looking at them and thinking ‘this is the real deal, we’re going to have to go to the wire again, we can’t afford to be dropping points against Villa the way we did, because these guys look like they are going to be relentless again’. I suppose Liverpool could sneak in there someplace, but I think they’ll be a little off.

“I predicted at the start of the season that City would win the league… I’m no longer convinced. I still believe City will win, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Arsenal wins.”