It is up in news today that Arsenal’s triumph over Manchester City has given them the conviction they require in the Premier League title race, says Chief Arsene Wenger. The Gunners have not won the title since 2004, but rather goals from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud were sufficient against City despite Yaya Toure’s late strike. Arsenal are presently four points clear of third-put Manchester City, however stay two points untied of leaders Leicester City. With safeguarding champions Chelsea fifteenth and seemingly out of conflict, the north London side is presently favorites to win the league.
They are unbeaten in their last six matches and five of Arsenal’s last six top-flight title wins have seen them in second place at Christmas, including two of their three Premier League titles. Wenger said, “It gives us confidence, strength and belief. We have a bit more maturity in the side now, which you could see in the game when we were under pressure.”
Further Wenger said, “Two or three years ago we were top for a long time but what is special is that this time we lost important players, had to go to Olympiakos, play at Villa and today, and we won those games. That is positive. I believe that we have shown our talents of spirit, organization and brilliance all together and that gave us three points. When we did not have the legs any more we relied on the spirit and that got us through in the end. I don’t know what kind of statement it makes but for us it was a vital game, a game you come out very happy because it has shown the ingredients you need in big games; strong organization, moments of brilliance, moments when you need to hang on. It’s too early to say [we will] win the league but it strengthens our belief that we have a word to say. What is interesting is there is a real life, a real togetherness in this team.”
“It was important for Sergio to return to the team, maybe he needs a couple of games to return to his performances,” said Pellegrini.
He further said, “There are 63 more points to win, a lot of games and the way we played in the second half shows that we will continue to fight for the title. I don’t know about statistics, but of course we are not out of the title race. If you don’t believe, you are not in the profession.”
