Arsene Wenger refuses to rule Man United out of title race

Arsene Wenger feels that it is still too early to rule Manchester United out of the title race, despite David Moyes’ men now trailing leaders Arsenal by 12 points.

The Red Devils slumped to a surprise 1-0 defeat by Everton at Old Trafford on Wednesday night as the stuttering start to their title defence continued.

But Arsenal boss Wenger, whose side maintained their four-point lead at the top of the table with a 2-0 win over Hull City, feels United are still capable of closing the gap.

“No [I won’t rule them out of the title race]. It’s still early,” said Wenger.

“It is a surprising defeat [by Everton] but it is still early. We have seen that before, 12 points, only on us.

“We have just to keep winning to have a chance, and not worry too much about the others.

“We have a very heavy schedule, that’s why I had to rest some players today and to rotate.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, whose side remain four points behind the Gunners, echoed Wenger’s thoughts on the title race.

“It’s difficult but with Manchester United everything is possible,” said Mourinho, whose side beat Sunderland 4-3 on Wednesday.