Arsene Wenger believes the Premier League title race could be an easier prospect this season despite the extra amount of challengers.
At least six clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and defending champions Leicester City – are in the hunt for Premier League glory this season.
However, despite the large field of contenders in 2016-17, Wenger said it could play into Arsenal’s hands.
“Never before [have so many teams been in the title race], but that can make it easier as well,” the Frenchman said ahead of Sunday’s league opener at home to Liverpool.
“Everybody can drop points, and there can’t be one team that just walks away and that nobody can catch.
“The hope will be alive in the Premier League for everybody maybe longer than ever. On that front, if you’re consistent it can be easier.”
Both Manchester clubs have new managers, with Pep Guardiola taking over at City and Jose Mourinho at United, while Antonio Conte has taken charge at Chelsea.
While all three have an abundance of title-winning experience, Wenger said it could take some time for them to adapt at their respective clubs.
“You don’t know. For example, Guardiola has come in, he’s a world-class manager, Mourinho has come in at Man United. Will that all click very quickly or will it take some time? We don’t know,” he said.
“Sometimes it works marvellously very quickly, sometimes it takes time. I hope it will take time, and that we can take advantage of the fact that we have stability.”
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