Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon believes it is too early to judge the Gunners although the 0-3 win over Manchester City will inject believe in the players.

Speaking on his tactical view column on the BBC website, the former right-back declared how it is not easy to understand whether the win over Roberto Mancini’s team is a turning point in the season but for sure things are looking very encouraging for Arsene Wenger and his players.

Dixon added how the signing of Belgian International Thomas Vermaelen added something to the Arsenal back four last season as he explained how he is not too convinced with the defensive department when the 24-year old is not playing.

The Gunners consolidated the second place in the table following last Sunday’s outstanding win away from home as they will now prepare to face Newcastle United in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.

After the game, Dixon said:

It is difficult to say whether Arsenal have turned a corner following their 3-0 win at Manchester City on Sunday but things are very encouraging at this point in time.

Last season they were struck down by two big problems: they were not good enough without the ball and they kept getting beaten by the big teams.

This term they have already been seen off by Chelsea, as well as West Brom, but when centre-back Thomas Vermaelen plays, I think there has been an improvement in defence just because they have spent another season learning from one another and they are intelligent players.

Without the 24-year-old Belgian I am not too convinced about the defence but another area which has improved is that of goalkeeper, which used to be a weekly talking point.