Sir Alex Ferguson believes Arsenal may yet "mount the biggest challenge" to Manchester United's aspirations of claiming a fourth consecutive Premier League crown and surpassing Liverpool to record their 19th title win.
On his shoulder: Ferguson expects a strong challenge from Wenger
Arsenal have been written off on numerous occasions this season but are just two points off United, and level with Chelsea having played a game more than their London rivals, thanks to an dramatic late goal from Nicklas Bendtner against Hull City on Saturday.
It is the second away game in succession that Arsenal have profited from an injury-time winner and with a favourable run-in ahead of Arsene Wenger's side, Ferguson is wary of a team that claimed the title in both 1998 and 2002 thanks to strong finishes at the end of the season.
"We are back in the lead, but Chelsea have a game in hand," Ferguson said. "It's also going to be a hard-fought tussle, with Arsenal coming strongly now, and I have a suspicion that they might yet mount the biggest challenge.
"To a certain extent the title is in our hands because Chelsea have to come to Old Trafford [on April 3] and naturally that will be a massive match, but, as I say, I'm wary of Arsenal if they don't suffer too many more injuries to key players.
"Right now it's looking like it [might be the tightest title race yet], I must say. It's looking very tight. We have only got eight games left, Chelsea have nine games left, so you never know.
"You have to think about goal difference. We're four goals ahead of Chelsea. I wish it was 14, but at least it's something in our favour. I suppose the simple way for us and Chelsea to look at it is just to win all our games. But life is never that simple."
