Wenger: bookies’ pay-out a ‘big risk’

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger warned that two bookmakers are “taking a big risk” by paying out on Chelsea winning the Barclays Premiership title race after just seven games.

Paddy Power, who are ironically one of Arsenal’s own sponsors, and BetFred have already paid out to punters who staked money on Chelsea winning the Premiership this season.

However, while Chelsea are 11 points clear of Arsenal and 10 clear of Manchester United - albeit having played one game more than either of their main rivals - Wenger insists the race is far from over.

“If you look at the table, Chelsea have a big advantage, but I’m not one of those who thinks the championship is over. Those bookmakers are taking a big risk,” he declared.

“Last time they paid out against us we won the title, so that’s a good sign!”

That was in 1998, when Arsenal came from behind to overhaul Manchester United in the closing straight, although they were similarly overtaken by United in 2003.

Wenger, whose own side were deemed invincible just under a year ago when they went to Old Trafford with a 49-game league run behind them, added: “There’s only one way of thinking at the moment - and everybody goes down that route.

“But football is more surprising than that. What looks obvious on September 29 can be completely different in November. We’ve seen it before. It was like that for us.

“If Chelsea win the title for 10 or 20 years on the trot, you might be concerned. But at the moment, they’ve won it once and the second time is not over, far from it.

“I’m not as pessimistic as some people.”

Chelsea seem to have developed something of a siege mentality, with boss Jose Mourinho having observed before their Champions League tie against Liverpool that the world was willing them to lose.

Wenger responded: “I feel that’s not true. The whole world wants an interesting championship, that’s completely different.

“The world just wants the leaders to be beaten to keep it interesting, it was that way with Manchester United and with us. It’s normal,” added the Arsenal boss, who believes his side’s midweek Champions League victory away to Ajax has given them added belief.