Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has claimed that the Premier League is "the strongest in the world" because of the competitive nature of each fixture.

The Gunners face Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Monday evening, needing three points to cement their place in the top four.

"You get to this time of year, some teams are safe, some can't get into Europe, but you know they will still be giving absolutely everything to beat you," Vermaelen told Arsenal's official website.

"When I played in the Dutch league for example, I can't say it was the same there. You would have some games where you were thinking 'this should be a nice comfortable Sunday afternoon!' In England that doesn't happen and as a competitor you prefer that.

"That's why the English Premier League is the strongest in the world, because the teams can all beat each other. Something happens every single weekend."

Arsenal currently sit fourth in the standings, three points clear of fifth-placed Everton with a game in hand.