Blackburn midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen does not believe Arsenal's place in the Barclays Premier League's "big four" is under threat this season.

Rovers travel to the Emirates Stadium with Pedersen confident the Gunners are safely ensconced as a top four outfit.

"There is always the big four of Arsenal, Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool," Pedersen said.

"You see Man City now pushing on, Tottenham had a decent start, but I think Arsenal will always be a part of the top four clubs.

"You never know in football - with City doing well maybe it is going to be a big five, but Arsenal will definitely be up there."

Wenger celebrated a record 13 years in charge of the north London club this week and Pedersen was keen to praise the Frenchman's achievements since his arrival in England in 1996.

"Wenger has been here for a long time now and has done really well," Pedersen said.

"He has had loads of good players and lots of young players that he has given the chance to, and they have done well.

"You have to show respect for what he has done with Arsenal. They won the league, they have done well in the Champions League, so of course, he is one of the top managers."

 
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