Arsene Wenger believes the Premier League title race will become clearer after the festive period.
The Gunners are in second place, two points behind surprise package Leicester City ahead of a packed Christmas schedule.
Just six points separate the top five in the table, but Wenger feels that will change in the New Year.
"I think you always see the real trend after Christmas"
Arsene Wenger
“I think you always see the real trend after Christmas,” he said. “Of course every year you have a surprising team who is in the top four. Last year it was West Ham, this year it is Leicester.
“The question is always can they maintain their run. It looks like Leicester are producing the consistency and quality.
“The number of goals they score indicates to you, yes, they will remain up there and you have to consider them now as fighting for the Premier League.”
Wenger believes the level of competition in the Premier League has had a detrimental impact on teams fighting in European competition.
“It does because for managers, you have the next Premier League game in your mind when you go into Europe sometimes,” he said.
“Recently we were not in that position, but at the start of the competition yes, you have in your mind, ‘The next Premier League match is difficult - do I rest one or two?’ Especially in the Europa League, I see that teams do it.”
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