Leicester City is the neutrals' favorite in the Premier League title race, according to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

The Frenchman believes Claudio Ranieri's side has won the hearts and imagination of a football-loving public with its swashbuckling style of play that has left the Premier League's biggest clubs in their wake.

The table-topper dismissed the challenge of second-placed Manchester City in remarkable fashion, as it earned a 3-1 win at the Etihad on Saturday to move six points clear of City and eight points clear of fourth-placed Arsenal, which is chasing a first Premier League win since Jan. 2 when it faces AFC Bournemouth on Sunday.

Leicester is five points ahead of Tottenham, which leapfrogged City into second after a 1-0 win over Watford, and Wenger says the unlikely title chaser is worthy of all the praise it receives as the club's fairy-tale season continues.

"The advantage they have until the end of the season, apart from our fans and the City fans and Tottenham fans, the rest of the country is behind Leicester," he said. "You reproach me about not buying big names but you will support the team who have no big names.

"I think it's great to see Leicester doing so well."

Wenger even used Leicester's success to take a shot at the media for criticizing his lack of big-name signings.

"You always ask me, ‘Why do you not buy a big-name?’ but Leicester is a fantastic example that football is not only about just spending the money," he said. "It's the quality of work and it's important to think that the quality of the work can get you there. Leicester are a very good example for our league."