Arsenal icon Lauren believes Mikel Arteta can't afford to get carried away, despite the Gunners' sensational form ahead of Sunday's blockbuster showdown with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The north London giants will visit their rivals on the back of a stunning 3-1 Champions League victory over Bayern Munich, which was achieved days after they'd ran riot against Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium.
It means that, with 12 matches played, Arsenal sit six points clear of Chelsea at the top of the table - with Arteta's men daring to dream of a first league crown since the days of Arsene Wenger in 2004.
Lauren was part of that squad that season, with the right-back featuring in 32 of their league matches as they went the campaign unbeaten.
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That feat hasn't been emulated since and won't be again in 2026, given how every side has lost at least one game already.
Arteta has undeniably worked wonders at Arsenal ever since replacing Unai Emery in 2019. So far, however, the club have won just one trophy under the Spaniard - the FA Cup, which came via a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Wembley in 2020.
Pressure is on the 43-year-old to deliver as a result.
Yet Lauren has advised Arteta to take each match as it comes, rather than looking too far ahead, as they seek a first crown in 22 years.
Five things to know about Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta | PA/GETTY
Arsenal put on a masterclass performance to beat Bayern Munich 3-1 in the Champions League
| REUTERSSpeaking exclusively to GB News via GeckoPlay, he said: "There is pressure on every manager and this season is no different for Mikel Arteta. I don't think there is more pressure than in previous years.
"But yes, this squad is the most balanced and strongest Mikel Arteta has, so they must take each game at a time in order to achieve their aims of winning the league.
"It's not an era-defining campaign at all, but Arsenal are in a good position to be able to win the title this season."
In recent weeks, both Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka have flourished.
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Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka have flourished for Arsenal in recent matches
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Eze endured a quiet start to life with Arsenal but has since come into his own, shining in the victories over Tottenham and Bayern.
As for Saka, the winger continues to evolve into one of the best players on the planet.
It certainly bodes well for England, as well as Arsenal, that the pair are clicking as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
And Lauren thinks the duo should both be starting for Thomas Tuchel and his Three Lions side, with the Invincible adding: "I like them both very much and they should be names on the teamsheet for England.
"Saka is brilliant on the left-hand side, scores goals and is such a top player.
"I've been impressed with Eze since coming to Arsenal and he has continued his good form for England. He scored a good goal in the international break and is full of confidence playing so yes, they should be with England in the World Cup and play a big part in the team."
Some have suggested that Saka is already peaking.
But Lauren disagrees and believes there's even more room for the 24-year-old to improve.
Lauren was part of the last Arsenal side to win the Premier League title back in 2004
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The 48-year-old added: "He can definitely get better. You can always get better.
"He has to continue to deliver as Arsenal have not won anything yet, so he has to continue to perform every game, focus on every match and perform to get Arsenal in a position to be able to secure their overall goal this season which will then make him even better.
"So yes, he can get better as there are still levels he can reach for Arsenal."
Arsenal's match with Chelsea promises to be a cracker.
The Blues have started to click into gear, with a 3-0 victory over Barcelona earlier in the week a statement of intent.
How the game plays out remains to be seen.