Former Arsenal star Robert Pires has claimed that Arsene Wenger's side "deserve" to be crowned Premier League champions this term.

The Gunners are currently third in the division, seven points behind leaders Chelsea, and, while Pires feels his ex-club are beginning to show their best form, the Frenchman thinks that Wenger's men may just come up short this season.

Pires told Perform: "In my opinion, this year, Arsenal deserved to be champion, and they won't be far away. [But] I think, once more, there will be some little regrets at the end of the season.

"The win [against Manchester United in the FA Cup] will be good for them, because except Arsenal fans, not many people expected them to reach the next round.

"So it was a great moment, they dominated Manchester, away at Old Trafford. It can help them finish in the top three because we're talking about momentum, yes it was a FA Cup game, but now the confidence is here and it can help you finish strongly the Premier League."

The Gunners host Liverpool on Saturday.