Sanchez not backing Arsenal

Fulham boss does not think Arsenal will close gap

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 10th August 2007

Sanchez not backing Arsenal

Sanchez: Does not rate Arsenal's chances

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Lawrie Sanchez has played down Arsenal's chances of winning the Premier League.

Fulham travel to Emirates Stadium on Sunday to take on The Gunners in their opening game of the Premier League season.

But Sanchez does not believe Arsenal will be able to challenge Manchester United and Chelsea after a summer in which they have lost Thierry Henry and only signed Eduardo da Silva and Bakari Sagna.

"I'm not sure Arsenal can quite bridge the gap between themselves and the top two," said the Fulham boss.

"When you look at the investment made at both Chelsea and Manchester United, and then see the investment Arsenal have made, then I don't think it's going to be enough.

"Of course they have lost Thierry Henry as well, but last season's top four teams will be the top four teams again."

Praise for Wenger

Sanchez does not feel Henry's departure should worry fans too much, as Robin van Persie is ready to fill the void.

"I think Arsenal needed Henry when they moved to the Emirates Stadium, it was important that they had their talisman at the new stadium," he said.

"I think Arsene Wenger has been very, very good at moving players on at the right times.

"Many people thought Arsenal would miss Patrick Vieira then all of a sudden

Cesc Fabregas emerges.

"People say they'll miss Henry but van Persie has looked like a world beater in pre-season.

"Arsene has been very good in his timing of moving players on and getting top dollar for players who have probably already seen their best days."