Arsene Wenger claims his team’s comprehensive win over title rivals Manchester City has strengthened the belief that they can win the Premier League, but also confirmed it’s too early to early for title talk.
The three points secured Arsenal’s hold on the second spot and guided them to within two points of league toppers Leicester while also helping them four points clear of Manchester City.
Wenger acknowledged the Gunner’s title chances and suggested his players are increasingly growing in maturity.
“It has strengthened our belief that we can win the title. We need to fight like that every game,” he told. “We are more mature than before and that shows in the games where we are under pressure.
“We are very ambitious, but you see the Premier League is very difficult. That’s why we are very cautious.” The Frenchman remains cautious despite the good run of form.
“We did very well against City, but we have to do it again on the 26th versus Southampton.
“I don’t know when we last had such a good chance to win the title. We have not had such a good chance for a few years. Although we were top of the league for a while in 2013-14. But we know there is still a long way to go.
“There is a real togetherness. It is a significant game. When you look at Manchester City and their quality we know they will be there in the title race.”
Wenger also admitted he was really satisfied with how his team started, and the first-half goals from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud, but also stated it was not an easy task to finish the match after Yaya Toure brought a goal back for City.
“It was a very intense game, with both teams giving everything,” Wenger said. “We always looked dangerous. We got great goals in the first half and we became shaky at 2-1.
“We knew how big this game was, Theo Walcott scored a fantastic goal which surprised Joe Hart and it put us on the way.
“Olivier Giroud is influential in every game. We missed chances that are the fear you have. When you see Wilfried Bony and Jesus Navas coming on you know they can make a difference.” Missed chances remain a concern for Wenger.
Wenger also said in a Sky Sports interview that “spirit” made the difference when they were holding off Manchester City at the end of the 90.
“When we had not the legs anymore we relied on the spirit and that got us through in the end,” he further said. “You could see when the legs went — [Mesut] Ozil was sick all week — but they still keep going. That’s fantastic to see.”
Ozil provided assists on both goals which were brilliant as always, and Walcott also praised his teammate.
“The thing about Mesut is he sees things,” Walcott told in an interview. “He knows what you’re going to do before you do it you just have to make that run. Again, when you’ve got special players on the pitch that provides special moments.”
Last two seasons, the £42.4million mega signing from Real Madrid frustrated Arsenal supporters for floating in and out of games when he was needed, but things are different now, he was given a standing ovation when replaced last night and Arsenal boss Wenger hailed the German maestro’s extraordinary vision.
“In football you need one guy who gives the ball to the one who scores the goal,” the Frenchman said. “In our team, most of the time, Ozil is this player. The guys who see makes you win, and he is that.
“Ozil is much more mature now, much more keen to take responsibility. I believe he’s developed his physical attributes and commitment. You can see his desire to win. He plays to win the game.
“His talent is exceptional and he realises he can help us in every single game.”