In the aftermath of Thierry Henry's departure for the Nou Camp, tabloid sportswriters were asked to predict the Top Four for the 2007/08 EPL season.

The general consensus was that Arsenal minus Henry were bound for the scrapheap—the equivalent of a Rolls Royce that'd had its engine nicked.

Apparently, everyone forgot that there's no better judge of talent than Arsene Wenger.

There's no doubt that Arsenal relied heavily upon Henry—but was he really the vital cog everyone believed him to be?

The early results argue against it.

The foundation for the Gunners' hot start in 07/08 was laid last season, when Henry's extended absences forced a young squad to forge its own identity.

Wenger had waxed lyrical about the kids he'd plucked from academies all over the globe. Now it was time for them to live up to the hype.

Arsenal developed in fits and starts, sometimes struggling with the physical and mental challenges of the Premiership.  They finished well, however—and were a goal away from topping Liverpool for third place.

This season, things have only gotten better.

Arsenal sit proudly at the top of the league, two points clear of United. The current squad has been criticised for its lack of depth—but anyone present during a dominant performance by Arsenal's "kids" against a strong Newcastle side knows otherwise.

A day later, United—famed for their Academy development—lost 2-0 at home against an unintimidated Coventry club willing to take chances.

How will the rest of the season play out?

Liverpool have a strong side, and Chelsea will always contend so long as the manager—whoever he is—has a bottomless cash well to draw from.  United, meanwhile, are favourites for the title...but look past their first 15 players and you'll find a thin squad that seems ill-suited for a title run.

Young as they are, Arsenal look to have an elite squad—especially in a Premiership where talent often trumps experience.  Only time will tell if this season is the one, but Wenger is sure to be rubbing his hands in glee soon enough.