Michael Owen heaps praise on Arsenal's shift in mentality, no longer 'soft' like in year's gone by

Michael Owen believes that now is the time for Arsenal fans to 'get excited' as Mikel Arteta's side returned to the top of the Premier League table.

Arsenal bounced back from their 3-1 away defeat at the hands of Manchester United with a 3-0 drubbing of Brentford in a game they controlled from start to finish away from home.

An early goal from William Saliba set the tone before Gabriel Jesus scored Arsenal's second to give the Gunners a 2-0 lead at half-time.

New boy Fabio Vieira scored a screamer on his full Premier League debut to complete the scoreline, leaving Owen impressed by what he saw from the travelling side.

Speaking to Premier League Productions, the former Liverpool forward said: 'I would have been the first person to accuse them of being soft over the last few years and they've definitely been that but they do have a maturity [now] despite having a lot of young players in the team.'

Only four players who started last season's return fixture were in the Arsenal XI for this campaign's visit to Brentford, and the difference in quality was clear to see with Arsenal seemingly forgetting all about last season's woes at the GTech Community Stadium.

'That performance compared to last season was different class,' Owen continued.

'We looked at the fixtures they've played already and they have been favourable for them. The first five they won and their first big test against Manchester United they didn't let themselves down but they stumbled.

'It was important they got back to winning ways and they did. They're back to the top of the league. There's going to be big tests to come because they have had a favourable start but the confidence is growing, they're maturing.'

Part of the reason for Arsenal's strong start to the season - and new found maturity - has been thanks to this summer's arrivals and the return of William Saliba from his spell on loan.

In years gone by, Arsenal fans may have been prone to getting prematurely excited about their side's fortunes, but it seems like something might be different with this current crop of players – and Owen agrees.

'If I was an Arsenal fan - after a long few years - I would be starting to get excited now.'