Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill insists there is still a large gap between the establised big four club's and the rest of the Premier League. "Well done to Spurs for getting into the Champions League - but up until their second last game, they could have finished anywhere from fourth to seventh," O'Neill told the Daily Star.
"The top four remains a possibility but to win the title, you need to have the squad."
O'Neill also hinted that Manchester City could prove to be one of the league's best performers this season given their huge squad size and ability to rotate.
"City will have 28 or 29 top-class players available. A number of them will have to sit in the stand, but that's compensated by their salaries," he continued.
"You get injuries and suspensions, players get tired, but the top sides can rotate better than the rest of us. It's the biggest difference.
"It's getting impossible for a small club to replicate what my Nottingham Forest or Derby achieved in the past. There was a more level playing field back then.
"If Chelsea or City didn't have the owners they have, they would not be able to sustain what they have done. For the game it's a concern. But if you are told here's £400m, buy who you can, then you will do an awful lot of damage."
O'Neill concluded by saying he believes City's emergence all but rules out a top four finish for his Villans.
"Just when you think your team is getting there, getting close to fourth spot, City appear on the horizon with all this money.
"It seems to be getting further away. They are not just a threat to Everton, Spurs and ourselves, they are a genuine title threat," he finished.
