WENG WANTS A TITLE FINISH

Boss aiming to crown 20-year Arsenal career

ARSENE WENGER believes Arsenal have their best chance in years to win the title.

But the Gunners boss has hinted that he could be off at the end of the season whether he lands the big one or not.

Arsenal have not won the league since 2004 but are currently level on points with leaders Manchester City and Liverpool after an impressive start to the season.

And the Frenchman believes they could go one better than last season’s finish as runnersup to champions Leicester.

“The team has the commitment, togetherness, desire, hunger and we have a good chance to compete ® for the Premier League,” Wenger told the club’s Annual General Meeting.

“We have a squad for the first time that is more mature and better equipped to challenge.

“I’m absolutely completely committed to ensuring that we are successful until the end of the season.

Passion

“After nine games the first trend is set, the title will be decided between 82 and 86 points.

“We have to be really focused on details. Every single detail can get you points.”

Arsenal, who host Reading in the League Cup tonight, have lost just once this season. But chairman Sir Chips Keswick insists the club have no plans yet to open talks with Wenger over a new deal.

The Premier League’s longest serving manager is out of contract at the end of the season and Sir Chips said: “We all recognise the fantastic contribution Arsene has made.

“He continues to have huge energy, passion and desire and we are confident in his ability to take us forward.

“At an appropriate time we will sit down with him and discuss the future but our current focus is maintaining our form and competing for trophies.”

Majority shareholder Stan Kroenke presented Wenger with a special plaque to mark his 20 years in charge.

And the American claimed the 67-year-old was one of the main reasons he bought Arsenal.

He said: “No one’s represented us better than Arsene Wenger.

“Arsene you’ve always shown commitment, dedication and energy and you brought a new style to English football and our club.

“We would like nothing better than to see you win the championship this year.”

Meanwhile, Wenger has confirmed that striker Olivier Giroud will make his return in an otherwise young Arsenal side against Reading.

However, midfielders Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey remain sidelined with injuries.