Arsene Wenger believes Leicester City are now favourites for the Premier League title but warned his next opponents that there is “still a long way to go”.
Arsenal returned to winning ways on Sunday after a four match run without a victory, disposing of Bournemouth with some ease thanks to first-half goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mesut Ozil.
Victory closed the gap on league leaders Leicester to five points after Claudio Ranieri’s side had blown away title rivals Manchester City 3-1 at the Etihad on Saturday, in the process establishing themselves as the bookmakers’ favourites for the title.
It is an analysis that Wenger echoed after his side’s win on the south coast.
“In one week Leicester have beaten Liverpool and Manchester City,” he said.
“That means that they suddenly become the favourite to win the Premier League. That makes our game on Sunday a big one.”
However, with a trio of clubs poised to pounce should Leicester slip up, Wenger warned the league leaders that there is a long way to go until the Premier League trophy is handed over.
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“We have been in the title race and we are still in it,” he added. “We cannot control people’s opinion and we need to show that we believe in it.
“We have to do it. It is still a long way to go.
“Leicester City is a favourite and we have a big game at home against them and I hope we have enough quality and nerves to deal with that.”
The Gunners currently sit in third place, behind local rivals Tottenham on goal difference, going into Sunday’s clash with the league leaders at the Emirates.
