Arsene Wenger: This Year's Title Race Will Be Open

According to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, this year's title race will involve more teams than before and will remain open until its end.

“Certainly [it will be the most open] for a long long time,” said the manager for arsenal.com, the official website of Arsenal.
 

“The demands on the teams in Europe are very high and the level of the less prestigious teams in the Premier League has gone up so I believe everybody will drop points. “

In truth, what he said can't be refuted. The competitiveness of the Premier League has risen drastically and now, more often than before, we see teams of lower rank snatch points away from the big fish.

Four to five years ago, there were four teams that battled for supremacy each and every time. Possessing more class and technique, that came to them easily. But now, the clubs from the lower part of the league table have gained on them, using the only means they have at their disposal—improving discipline and fitness. The lesser teams have adapted.

The football evolution is an undergoing process.

“But the level has gone up,” added Wenger, “and I think the physical resistance of the teams who are a bit less good technically has become stronger.
 

“All the teams in the Premier League can remain disciplined for 90 minutes therefore you have a little bit less difference made in the second half than years before.”

Wenger's perception of the situation is backed by the current league standings: Chelsea are first, but have sustained two loses in 12 games, Arsenal are third with three defeats in 12 games and United are the only team who haven't lost so far, but have also had their share of difficulties being second with an even number of wins and draws—six.

Lurking in mid-table, there are teams like Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur—teams that can beat anyone on their best day. There are teams like Wolverhampton, West Ham, and West Bromich Albion who can make even biggest clubs in football sweat over their points with their disciplined displays.

Overall, the English club game has risen. The financial crisis has sharpened the edges of even the smallest clubs, forcing them to look for different solutions. Money can rule the world, but the will to succeed will always have the final word.

While big teams like Manchester City have spent hundreds of millions in attempt to bully their way onto the English football throne, other teams have worked really hard, remaining hidden behind the ridiculous veil of financial vanity.

The truth is that the Premier League has become one of the hardest competitions to win. And it has been gradually toughening up and it will continue to do so.

Arsene Wenger is right: we may see the most open title race in years. Top clubs will drop points, so in the end, the title may not be won by the richest club, but by the one who wants it most.