Arsenal Midfielder Issues Warning to Premier League Rivals

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has issued warning to title contenders that the Gunners should be taken seriously to win the Premier League title.

Arsene Wenger's side registered a 3-0 victory over Cardiff City as Aaron Ramsey struck twice on his return to his former club.

The victory over the Welsh club has seen the north London side maintain their lead at the top as a second place Chelsea trail the Gunners by four points.

The former Everton midfielder insists a victory over Cardiff in Wales has seen Arsenal make a statement, especially after the Premier League champions Manchester United and Manchester City have struggled against Malky Mackay's side.

Arsenal last won the league in 2004 and are without silverware since their FA Cup win over United in 2005. Arteta believes the Gunners are in the mix to win the top flight football competition in England, despite not starting as the favourites this season.

"People are not talking about us but it is normal because we haven't won the Premier League for many years so people are still reluctant to consider us title fighters but we know what we have in the dressing room," Arteta told The London Evening Standard.

"We know the type of desire and ambition we have at the moment and we have to keep going. We are doing great now. Every away game in the Premier League is very tough. Considering Cardiff beat Man City here and they drew against Man United, it just tells you how tough a place it is.

"For us, it is a big statement to come here and get the points and score three goals away from home is very important. We kept another clean sheet as well so we are full of confidence," the Spaniard concluded.

Arsenal have already been knocked out of the Capital One Cup after their defeat to Chelsea, leaving Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League to fight for.

The Gunners face City and the Europea League winners for the league tie this month and a victory over these two clubs could make them as the firm favourites to win the league.