Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal’s current defence is the best backline that the Gunners have had for years and argues that, as a result, Arsene Wenger’s team has a significant chance of winning silverware this season.

Arsenal remain unbeaten in their last 14 matches and currently sit second in the league, tied on 23 points with Manchester City in first place and Liverpool in third.

The side have conceded just 10 goals this season, bettered only by City, Chelsea and Everton so far.

Writing in the Evening Standard, the former Manchester United centre-back praised the Gunners defence.

"This is the best back four I have seen at Arsenal for many a year,” he said. “They are settled and look confident.

“Laurent Koscielny has been one of the most consistent defenders for the last few seasons and has found a great partner in summer signing Shkodran Mustafi.

“Wenger spent a reported £35million on Mustafi from Valencia in August and he’s looked a great acquisition so far.”

The pundit also praised Arsenal’s full-backs, Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal.

“Hector Bellerin is probably the best right-back in the Premier League right now,” he added. “He is supremely quick, not shy in getting forward, but likes to defend as well.

“Nacho Monreal has turned into a consistent left-back. There are no frills about him, but he is comfortable on the ball in possession and a good defender too.”

As a result, Ferdinand believes that Wenger’s backline has handed Arsenal the necessary foundations from which to launch a title-winning campaign this year.

“Arsenal’s success in the early years of Wenger’s reign was built on a solid back four and if they can get that right again now, they will have a good chance of winning silverware,” the 37-year-old concluded.

Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Show all 22 1 /22 Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Jordan Pickford – 5 out of 10 He was kept busy from the off, but he just didn’t have what was required – as reflected by the four Arsenal goals. Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Billy Jones – 5 out of 10 Did his job at the back, but it wasn’t enough against the pacey of the Arsenal attackers. Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings John O’Shea – 6 out of 10 He was leading by example and captaining his side appropriately, until he went off with a hamstring injury. AFP/Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Lamine Kone – 5 out of 10 The centre-back worked hard, but a number of his tackles were mistimed and unnecessary. Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Patrick van Aanholt – 6 out of 10 Lost possession a number of times, but on the whole, he done well and we saw glimpses of brilliance from him. Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Jack Rodwell – 5 out of 10 Had a quiet performance by a man of his standards and ability – he should have done more. AFP/Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Steven Pienaar – 5 out of 10 Failed to provide anything in the attacking third and gave away too many fouls. Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Didier Ndong – 6 out of 10 He was a strong element to the Sunderland side – he was tackling well and done well with possession. Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Wahbi Khazri – 5 out of 10 After showing early sights of skill and trickery that was beating the Arsenal players, this fizzed out and he was kept out of the game by the Gunners. Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Duncan Watmore – 7 out of 10 He was one of the best Sunderland players today, showing his pace down the wing and his eye for creativity. He also did well to win the penalty. Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Jermain Defoe – 6 out of 10 Despite his late goal, he had a very quiet performance by his standards and was uninvolved throughout. Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Petr Cech – 6 out of 10 Had very little to do throughout, but when he was called on – he done the job. Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Hector Bellerin – 6 out of 10 Showed his attacking prowess throughout as he bombed down the flanks and was regularly called upon to whip a ball into the dangerzone. Arsenal FC via Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Shkodran Mustafi – 6 out of 10 Worked well at the back – he maintained possession well and defended effectively. Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Laurent Koscielny – 7 out of 10 A typical Koscielny performance. He ran the line well, defended well and dominated at the back. Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Keiran Gibbs – 7 out of 10 He attacked very well today and was regularly used down the left wing. His crosses were causing problems for Sunderland. Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Mohamed Elneny – 6 out of 10 Did his job in the middle of the park. He passed well and created chances. Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Francis Coquelin – 6 out of 10 Battled very well throughout and won a number of fouls in the middle of the park. AFP/Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7 out of 10 Recalling the Ox today was the correct decision from Wenger – he worked hard, passed well and battled throughout. Arsenal FC via Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Mesut Ozil – 6 out of 10 His creativity was faultless as per usual – but should have done better in front of goal himself. Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Alex Iwobi – 5 out of 10 He worked well with Gibbs down the left hand side, but was poor in possession from time to time. Getty Images Sunderland vs Arsenal player ratings Alexis Sanchez – 9 out of 10 An all-round fantastic performance from the 27 year old. His attacking play was impeccable and he deserved his two goals. Arsenal FC via Getty Images

The Gunners face Ludogorets in the Champions League in their next match on Tuesday night.