Arsene Wenger believes this Premier League season is shaping up to be the toughest ever.

Wenger will be looking to keep the Gunners at the top of the table when they face title rivals Manchester United on Monday night, but whatever happens, the Frenchman is convinced there will be a few more twists and turns between now and May.

His Arsenal side have already lost four times this term, but still returned to the summit last weekend after winning against Fulham while United's game at Blackpool was called off and Chelsea drew 1-1 with Everton.

"I don't agree with the people who say that the overall quality of the league is lower this season. In fact, you can say exactly the reverse," Wenger said.

"Last Monday night, two quality teams - Aston Villa and Liverpool - met and both sides were in the bottom half, so that opinion is not really proven by concrete facts.

"The whole Premier League is more difficult for everybody and what you call mid-table teams and bottom-table teams have improved - every single game today is a cup game for everybody."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email