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Di Matteo: Gap at the top of the Premier League is still getting bigger

DON’T be fooled by unusual results – the gap in the Premier League between the haves and have nots is continuing to widen.

That’s the verdict of Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo, who masterminded Albion’s 3-2 victory over Arsenal last weekend.

The result was arguably the biggest surprise of this season so far – but Di Matteo is not fooled.

He still feels the English top flight will remain the exclusive domain of only a handful of cash-rich clubs.

The rest, claims Di Matteo, are simply jockeying for the positions behind the elite.

“It makes the Premier League interesting if smaller clubs are able to get good results against the big clubs,” said the Italian.

“Bolton did very well against Manchester United on the Sunday after we had won at Arsenal.

“It’s early days. It’s only six games into the season.

“I have been saying the gap between the smaller clubs and big clubs is massive.

“I still believe it is and every now and then you might have a surprise result.

“I think the gap is still massive.

“In terms of squad size and budget they’re on a completely different planet.

“Arsenal, United, Chelsea, City and Liverpool are all up there in their own little group, with one or two occasionally breaking into that.

“The rest of us are a long way behind but we have to accept that and get on with it.”

Albion’s victory at the Emirates Stadium was their first in Arsenal territory since 1983.

The triumph was lauded by all.

It gave Albion an unlikely ‘opening game’ slot on Match of the Day, with Di Matteo then being invited as a guest for Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday programme.

But he is urging the supporters to remain on an even keel.

“I hope the fans don’t get carried away by the Arsenal result,” he added.

“They must understand our position and see that today’s match with Bolton is a difficult game.

“It’s one of the teams that we’re competing with – we need a good result.”

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