BPL points gap can be deceiving, says Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes the lead Manchester United have established over their rivals is not an indication of a gulf in class between the sides.

Despite Theo Walcott's first-half strike, Arsenal were not able to hold off Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, as Sir Alex Ferguson's men levelled proceedings courtesy of a Robin van Persie penalty to ensure the game finished in a 1-1 draw.

The newly crowned champions are 14 points clear of neighbours Manchester City, but Wenger considers the points gap between the Red Devils and the team's Premier League rivals to be a superficial gauge of quality on the pitch.

"Man City is for sure a very good side that can compete with Man United, they dropped some points this season that were unexpected and Mancini is right on his statement," he said to arsenal.com.

"We have a game that is based on collective expression so it's difficult to compare man-to-man. At the moment, we are 20 points behind and that is linked with our bad start to the season but mainly to the fact that against the big clubs, we did not do well."

"Then I can tell you that in Germany, Dortmund are 20 points behind Bayern Munich and they just beat Real Madrid 4-1. The same people that say 'you are 20 points behind' are the same that say Dortmund is the best team in Europe."

Despite missing out on the PFA Player of the Year award, former Gunners captain Robin van Persie was voted into PFA Team of the Year in recognition for the numerous goals he scored in United's title-winning campaign. Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker had qualms in admitting that the Dutchman was his choice for the honour that eventually went to Tottenham's Gareth Bale.

"Of course, I voted for Robin in the PFA awards. With his qualities, he just delivers every year. I think most of the Arsenal team voted for him. He is a world-class player," Mertesacker stated to the Daily Mirror.

"Robin was and still is very respected here and he was my team-mate, so he is not out of my mind completely. I still have his number."