Wenger: Leicester don’t buy big names, do they?

Daniel Storey

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says that all neutrals want Leicester to win the Premier League this season.

The Foxes moved five points clear at the summit having won 3-1 at Manchester City on Saturday.

Arsenal are eight points adrift of the shock leaders ahead of their tricky trip to Bournemouth – with Wenger’s side without a league win in their last four outings.

And the Frenchman knows everyone other than fans of the clubs fighting for the crown will be willing on Leicester for what would be the most surprising title success of the Premier League era.

“Of course. And it’s natural. It’s normal,” Wenger said when asked if the whole country was behind Leicester.

“The advantage they have until the end of the season, apart from our fans and the City fans and Tottenham fans, the rest of the country is behind Leicester.

“You reproach me about not buying big names but you will support the team who have no big names.”

While the Foxes are leading the way, Bournemouth are on course to achieve their own target of staying in the division.

And Wenger is a big fan of Cherries boss Eddie Howe – comparing the 38-year-old with Leicester. “(Eddie Howe) He has done extremely well,” he added.

“When I see his team play, they play well and you see he has done a great job there.

“Leicester are a bit like Eddie Howe, you know. I think it’s great to see that. That’s why you ask me always ‘why do you not buy a big-name?’

“But Leicester are a fantastic example that football is not only about just spending the money.

“It’s the quality of work and it’s important to think that the quality of the work can get you there. Leicester are a very good example for our league.”