Arsene Wenger sends his Arsenal side to Bolton on Sunday insisting
the Barclays Premier League has never been more competitive.
The Arsenal boss believes the overall standard of the top
flight's 20 teams has risen and that five teams, comprising
Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham,
can still win the title.
Wenger said: "All the teams who have over 36 points can still
hope. There has been a general lift in the level of the teams. In
January no team is completely out of anything.
"There are teams who play for the title and the Champions
League and teams who play not to go down. Usually you have six or
seven teams not concerned at either end. This year that is not the
case. There is life in every game."
It is why Wenger expects the toughest of matches at the
Reebok Stadium where new manager Owen Coyle hopes to get his
survival mission off to the best possible start.
Arsenal have captain Cesc Fabregas, recovered from his
hamstring strain, back in midfield and full-back Gael Clichy is
also expected to feature following his back injury.
But defender Sol Campbell, who has relaunched his career at
the Emirates until the end of the season, will have to wait for
first-team action and does not make the trip.
It is likely, however, that he will feature in a busy month
ahead which includes crucial games against Manchester United,
Chelsea and Liverpool as well as a tricky FA Cup tie at Stoke.
Wenger said: "I have seen him in training and he is very
sharp. His attitude is good, his talent is good. He is dedicated,
motivated and looks happy to be back."
Wenger also reiterated his concern for football's finances.
Portsmouth and Crystal Palace have struggled to pay wages, while
even Manchester United are trying to restructure their debt.
Wenger, renowned for being unwilling to spend big money on
players, said: "I am not conservative. I am realistic. It is
different. We spend only the money we get. We have nobody who comes
out when you lose £250million and says 'Listen, I make you a
cheque' and life goes on. We live in a realistic world."
Asked whether he could envisage a Premier League club filing
for bankruptcy, he added: "I am tempted to believe that because
once the clubs start to (spend) the television income of the year
after and the season tickets of the years after, that's a very
dangerous trend. It means if you are not very successful on the
pitch you're dead."
