Champions League

Arsene Wenger: 'Premier League dominance under threat'

By Liam Power, Reporter | 07 December 2012

Arsene Wenger admits that the Premier League's perennial claim to be the best league in Europe is under genuine threat following mixed performances in the Champions League.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that English football's dominance of European club competitions is under huge threat.

The Premier League has only two representatives in the Champions League knockout stages for the second successive season after Chelsea and Manchester City were eliminated earlier this week.

Wenger believes that the quality shown by the Bundesliga and La Liga this season is a testament to the strength of football across the continent.

The Gunners boss also hinted that the season-long battle provided by the Premier League could finally be taking its toll during midweek matches.

He told the club's official website: "The dominance of England is in question. We see that with the other countries improving.

"If Stuttgart win, the Germans push their seven teams through to the next stage of European competitions. The Spanish have pushed their four teams through in the Champions League.

"It's not a coincidence. We need to be conscious of that. Is it because the Premier League is so difficult in every game? Maybe. We have to have a deeper look at that."

Arsenal have qualified for Europe's biggest club competition for 15 consecutive seasons under Wenger and are in the draw for the last 16 alongside Manchester United.