Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger feels there's been a lift in quality in the Championship this season.
Wenger also blames the snow for their problems against Leeds United in the Third Round of the FA Cup.
"[There was] relative rest for the Championship teams because many games were cancelled for them," said Wenger. "[Also] the heavy programme during the Christmas period for the Premier League teams.
"The improvement of the level in the Championship is a good reason as well. You saw Leeds coming to Arsenal, they played without any restriction."