Ahead of Arsenal’s match against Manchester United, Arsene Wenger has been speaking once again about our chances of winning the title next and the difficulty of having not having a winter break.

The Arsenal boss also spoke about the progress we’ve made this season and emphasised how finishing third will be an improvement.

“Yes of course [I have seen enough to think we can challenge] but that’s what is at stake until the end of the season, to show that we can be stronger next year. We feel we have made progress, but we have a good opportunity to show that on Sunday because in every game that is questioned.”

He continued, “Only one thing shows you have made progress and that is the continuity in your performances, and that you have a good level of cohesion. I believe as well that the way we respond to our disappointment on Monday night is a big indication of how strong we are.”

Another reason why getting third place instead of fourth is preferable, is because it means we don’t have to take part in the Champion’s League play-offs early on in the season. Without a winter break, players in the Premier League have a tendency of getting fatigued, leading to injuries and general exhaustion.

Wenger said, “It’s very important for your season preparations to not have that kind of stress [about the Champions League qualifier] over your head from the first day you start again – it’s vital. The consequences are always dramatic if you don’t qualify.”

Wenger spoke about why this, as well as international competitions, can be problematic when trying to allow players adequate rest and prepare them for the season.

“What is even more important now is that the international competitions force you most of the time to start the new season without your players. You cannot give them a long enough rest when they have played international games. You know that in England we have no break in the winter. That’s sometimes difficult to deal with.”

The debate of whether the Premier League should have a winter break, like La Liga, is one that’s unlikely to get resolved, since the Christmas footballing period has become something of an event in itself. It generates a lot of money and has become somewhat of an institution.

However, I’m sure the players wouldn’t complain about being able to indulge a little more on Christmas day.