Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal has demonstrated it should be taken seriously in this season's Premier League title race.

The weekend victory at Cardiff City maintained Arsenal's four-point lead atop the Premier League standings and the Gunners will attempt to consolidate their position when Hull City visits Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Yet despite Arsene Wenger's side dominating the opening third of the season, the title claims of its main rivals - Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City - have continued to attract support.

Arsenal has frequently been a bystander in the battle for the championship since it last lifted the Premier League trophy in 2004.

But midfielder Arteta believes the club made a powerful case when it returned from a testing trip to Cardiff - a place where United and City have dropped points this season - with a victory.

"Every away game in the Premier League is very tough," the Spaniard said. "Considering they beat Man City here and they drew against Man United, that just shows you what a tough place this is.

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

"I think we looked really solid again, which is very important for us because up front we know we have the ability to score. It's a great three points - we are delighted."

Aaron Ramsey again stood out, this time against his former club and Arteta believes the display confirms just how far the Wales midfielder has come this year.

- Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 12/04/2013 page23)