Source: SKY_Sports
O'Neill - It's now a 'big five'
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill believes Manchester City's huge summer spending has created a 'big five'.
While the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal consistently battle for the Premier League title, Manchester City have been making significant moves this summer.
Mark Hughes has added a wealth of talent to his already impressive Eastlands squad and O'Neill believes they have joined the elite clubs who have the strength in depth to challenge for honours.
Although it is only the top four places in the league that can achieve UEFA Champions League football, O'Neill think Hughes' summer transfer activity has made it a five-horse race.
Fop five
"Instead of a top four, everybody would now accept there is a top five," stated O'Neill, whose Villa side open their campaign at home to Wigan this weekend.
Villa were battling for a Champions League spot last term before a drop in form in the second half of the season curtailed their prospects of beating the odds.
O'Neill has been pleased with the club's efforts to date, although he wants to players to continue to challenge themselves and aim even higher this time around.
"We have made significant progress and need to push on this season," he continued. "That is the aim of myself and the players."
