Everybody loves Arsenal. Even those Man United, Chelsea and, of course, Tottenham fans who claim to ardently dislike the Gunners secretly love the way they caress the ball around the park, sometimes trying a little too hard to sweep it into the opposition net after a 57-pass move.

Therefore, I'm sure we're all slightly worried that Arsene Wenger is swimming against the tide these days with regard to trying to compete with the Manchester Uniteds and the Chelseas of this world. For several seasons, Arsenal have competed admirably against rivals who have thought nothing of splashing the cash in order to secure someone to warm the bench (Shaun Wright-Phillips does a tremendous job at the Bridge).

However, it's clear that this situation can't continue forever, unless UEFA clamp down on what Michel Platini describes as "illegal manoeuvrings" by the Big Two. Chelsea and United's foreign investment and willingness to immerse themselves in debt means it's difficult for any other club (Arsenal included) to joust with them when it comes to signing the best players across the world.

The same is true when it comes to salary expectations. Look at the recent example of Emmanuel Adebayor wanting his current wage to be quadrupled by a club who pride themselves on an ordered pay scale and rely on player loyalty far more than some of the mercenaries that Chelsea have acquired in the past five seasons.

The Daily Telegraph recently reported that Wenger cites patience as the key quality 's required in order for Arsenal to be successful, although an increasing percentage of their fanbase might suggest financial clout would be even better, something to which David Dein has recently alluded.

"In life you need to be patient to get to the very top," Wenger said. "I still believe we have created something special. When you are a winner you come back."

There's no doubting the magical quality of Arsenal's football last season, although did it win anything in the end? Many say that the Premier League is split into three divisions - the Big Four, those challenging for the UEFA Cup places and the clubs simply looking to stay in the division every season.

Will the leading quartet of clubs itself split into two over the next few seasons, or can the Gunners somehow find a way of being successful against the increasingly stacked odds? Arsenal fans have never had cause to doubt Wenger's managerial ability to date, and the vast majority will rightfully support the Frenchman even if the club finish potless for yet another season.

However, is he being naive in thinking that the Gunners can continue to compete against their richer rivals? Only time will tell.