Ashley Cole has identified Arsenal as the 'strongest' team in the Premier League, pointing to the 'confidence' and 'belief' gained from last season's title triumph as key factors in their continued success.
Arsenal's convincing start to title defence
The Gunners opened their title defence with a commanding 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry at the Emirates, with Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard all on the scoresheet against Frank Lampard's side.
The win came just five days after Arsenal beat Manchester City by the same scoreline to claim the Community Shield, marking the 18th time the club has won the trophy.
Chelsea's winning start and Cole's verdict
Chelsea also began their campaign with a victory, beating local rivals Fulham away on Monday night, with Cole Palmer impressing and Morgan Rogers scoring on his official debut for the Blues.
Asked to predict the eventual champions, Cole told Sky Sports: 'I think it's too early to say. I think Arsenal look the strongest with what they've added and the confidence and belief they'll have after their amazing season last year. But who knows? It's too early to say.'
Lampard's achievement at Coventry
Cole expressed delight at Lampard's work at Coventry, who secured promotion last season under the former Chelsea midfielder.
'First and foremost, what a great achievement to get them up and promoted and then the hard work starts again,' Cole added. 'You're back in the Premier League, it's a ruthless league, and the first game in the Premier League is against Arsenal. Look, hopefully he can rally the boys and get them to go again in the next game.'
Arsenal's next league fixture is away to Aston Villa, managed by their former boss Unai Emery, who suffered a 4-0 defeat at Brighton in his side's opening match. The reigning champions will then host Chelsea in a meeting of Cole's two former clubs.
