Gunners in with a shot

ARSENE Wenger has challenged Arsenal to keep the critics off their backs by winning at Newcastle tonight to end the year as English Premier League leaders.

Though the Gunners still haven’t won a trophy since 2005, 2013 will still go down as one of their more successful years in recent memory.

Their points tally of 79 for the calendar year is the best in the Premier League and no rival can surpass that even if Newcastle come out on top at St James Park.

Arsenal regained pole position in the table from Liverpool on Boxing Day thanks to a 3-1 win at West Ham that saw them come back from 1-0 down. Yet they have still come in for heavy criticism at times this season, with a recent 6-3 defeat at Manchester City sparking renewed claims that Arsenal don’t have the mental toughness to win the league.

But Wenger believes the comeback at West Ham was further proof Arsenal finally possess the ingredients to go on and win the title for the first time since 2004.

‘‘That was a kind of game that many people would have questioned us had we not won and even more if we had lost,’’ he said.

‘‘We have another good game now on Sunday at Newcastle, who are in full confidence as well, so that will be another test. The team wants to do well and the character is great.’’