Arsenal can be the kings of title jungle
ARSENE WENGER has described this season’s title race as a ‘jungle’, but believes Arsenal finally have what it takes to finish top of the tree.
After a worrying opening day home defeat to Liverpool, Arsenal have played exceptional football to go on a run of 11 games unbeaten, including nine victories.
Their 6-0 Mesut Ozil-inspired demolition of Ludogorets in the Champions League on Wednesday night was the club’s seventh win in succession.
Arsenal’s excellent start to the season has raised belief among fans that the North London side are ready to win their first title since 2004.
After several false dawns, Wenger is also coming round to the idea that his team are now equipped to win the Premier League trophy.
When asked if his side can sustain a title challenge, Wenger replied: ‘Yes, we have the squad and we have to show that we have the quality.
‘To maintain that in the team for 10 months will depend on the players, on me and also on injuries.
‘ We are consistent at the moment and I feel there is more to come out from our team.
‘ The confidence is there because we have been consistent and overall, the desire to do well, the hunger to do well is there.
‘ We finished second last year, so even if we were disappointed, it was not disastrous. Of course, we want to do better and we have learnt a lot from last season.’
He added: ‘We live in a jungle where everyone wants to eat you and you have to keep vigilant to survive.
‘We fight every day to survive. That’s what competition is about.’
Wenger celebrates his 67th birthday today, and the Frenchman has hinted he may go one better than old foe Sir Alex Ferguson and work into his 72nd year.
Manchester United legend Ferguson retired at the age of 71, but Wenger’s comments could indicate that he is willing to sign a new contract.
His current deal expires at the end of the season, but Wenger is ready to put pen to paper on a two- year extension after insisting he has no intention of putting his feet up just yet.
‘Ferguson stopped at 71, but at the moment I feel good,’ said Wenger.
‘I live in a competitive world and it’s down to what I produce that has to be judged. My age should not interfere with that. I do not focus on my age. I never liked the retirement word.
‘We are there to be active and to fight. Life is no other issue than to fight until the last day of your life as much as you can.
‘I don’t feel like an old-age pensioner, not at all. If you lived with me everyday, you would understand that I am not like that.
‘ I train every day. If all professional footballers lived like I do, they would be fit for all 10 months of the season.’