Wenger - Man City have won the marathon

Arsene Wenger has congratulated Manchester City on seemingly winning the Premier League “marathon” - but he feels Arsenal have also proved their stamina this season.

The Gunners spent 128 days on top of the table, but can finish no higher than fourth after some damaging defeats during February and March.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side, meanwhile, can clinch the title with a point on the final day when they face West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium.

“It looks like [City] will win it now. It will need a miracle for them not to win it,” Wenger said. “Congratulations to them. I believe it was very tight at the top and very tight at the bottom.

“It was a season where Man City just won it in the end, getting over the line. They won a marathon and they turned up in the last 100 yards. But they turned up when it mattered.

“There were a few turning points and certainly the [biggest] was the Everton game that they won. It was not easy for them, it looked very difficult for them to get over the line.

“But Liverpool had an outstanding second half of the season. They are maybe the unluckiest team of the season because they were nearly there as well. It was a very interesting season.”

Despite finishing in fourth place, Wenger is convinced his side have made progress this season.

“The difference between us and the team who wins the league will be down to a maximum of seven points if we win our last game,” he said. “We have been 128 days on top of the league so we won the stamina league, but we failed in some big games away from home.

“To be completely honest, a team like City scored 100 goals so you have to say their offensive potential has been absolutely brutal and fantastic. Liverpool as well. We have scored 66 at the moment, so that is certainly where we have room for improvement.”