Joleon Lescott has backed Arsenal to win a second consecutive Premier League title after their emphatic 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
Arsenal's statement win
The Gunners, who ended their 19-year title drought last season by finishing seven points clear of City, produced a dominant display in Enzo Maresca's first competitive game in charge of the Manchester club.
Lescott, a two-time Premier League winner with City, told Mirror Football that Arsenal are his early favourites to retain the crown. 'It is very early [to make predictions], but you would say Arsenal,' he said.
Why Arsenal are favourites
'Considering the key factors, they probably have fewer obstacles ahead of them. [Mikel] Arteta has continuity with the players and the squad now has genuine belief, so I would say Arsenal.'
'I know how difficult it is to win back-to-back titles, but that is my overriding opinion,' added the former defender.
Speaking on TNT Sports after the match, Lescott said: 'Arsenal are close to where they want to be and I wasn't surprised by that performance. That's the worrying thing, they're at this level so early on. It's going to be a daunting time for everyone.'
Concern for Manchester City
On City's display, Lescott said: 'Concerned is the right word [for City]. It's the whole performance really, and the gap. The worrying thing is the gap.'
'I doubt [Maresca] will be embarrassed, more disappointed. Embarrassment is probably too strong. You don't want to lose 3-0 to your arch rivals. There will be a lot of analysing this week and recognising what we can improve on.'
Arsenal begin their title defence on Friday night at home to newly-promoted Coventry City, managed by Frank Lampard. Arteta said of his side's mentality: 'Probably there's more belief. You know how to do it, you know what it takes to win it and the contribution of everybody because last season that was the biggest asset of the team.'
