LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that the days of the 'Big Four' are over.
On Tuesday, he pointed out that the English Premier League's traditional top teams - Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal - could be elbowed aside this season by the likes of Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and even Hull City.
According to the Frenchman, the smaller clubs are becoming more dangerous because of an overall increase in skill level.
He told The Sun: 'For me, the so-called 'Big Four' in England is about to change. It won't last much longer.
'This year in the Premier League, there have been changes which are, in reality, good for football values.
'Manchester United beat Sunderland only in the last minute and drew at Spurs. We were beaten by Stoke and Hull.
'That will continue until March, when clubs have earned their safety for next season but won't be fighting for European qualification. Then, these clubs will let things go a little bit.
'But the technical level in our league has increased because players are being bought from all over the world and bringing new talent.
'The other day, for example, Wigan had Kevin Kilbane, Jason Koumas and Amr Zaki on the bench. This is impressive in my view.'
Arsenal play league leaders Liverpool on Sunday and desperately need a win to keep alive their title hopes. Wenger's men are fifth, eight points adrift of the Reds.
This is largely due to the fact that he did not make any big-name signings in the summer to match their closest rivals.
But he justified his decision, insisting the current financial climate would change the attitude of many clubs.
Said Wenger: 'I come from a little village of farmers where I was educated that when you earn £100 (S$227), you do not spend £100. For me, when you earn £100 and you spend £110, it is like cheating.
'A club must live within its own resources, not artificially supported.
'The economic crisis will force many clubs to rethink the way they are run. It seems too many believe football exists in a bubble, away from the financial crisis.
'Football depends heavily on the financial markets, sponsorship and television rights, all of which are suffering right now. Clubs will be affected, wages will come down, transfer fees must come down and there will be a bit of calm with the exception of clubs like Manchester City.'
He rejected claims the League title is beyond Arsenal, who last won it in 2004.
'I am confident we will come back and catch some ground before Christmas and then push on. This team are not far off and can get there as much as the team in 2004,' he told the club's official website.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have denied that misfiring striker Robbie Keane will leave the club next month.
On Tuesday, former Liverpool player turned pundit Mark Lawrenson claimed the Ireland player will quit the club during the transfer window. He got the impression after a chat with Steven Gerrard.
