Source: Daily_Mail
Arsenal star Thomas Vermaelen tells title rivals: Gunners are in it to win it
Happy days: Vermaelen (left) and skipper Fabregas[LNB]Defender Thomas Vermaelen claims Arsenal have delivered a clear message to their rivals that they are in the title race for the long haul this season. [LNB]Arsene Wenger's men are now the closest challengers to Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea, five points behind but with a game in hand, following their 4-1 win at Wolves and Manchester United's defeat at Stamford Bridge. [LNB] When domestic action resumes following the international break, all eyes will turn to their showdown with the Blues at the Emirates Stadium on November 29. [LNB]Arsenal have recovered strongly from their successive defeats by both Manchester clubs, embarking upon an unbeaten run of 13 matches in all competitions and now having scored 36 goals in 11 league games. [LNB]Belgian defender Vermaelen believes Wenger's young side have laid down a real marker for the rest of the campaign as they seek to end a five-year trophy drought. [LNB] 'If we look at the rankings, we are second and it is a message to other teams that we are involved in the race to be champions,' Vermaelen told Arsenal TV Online. [LNB]'It is good that we have had a good series of games, it is important to continue and stay focused on every game because there are a lot of important games.'[LNB]Wenger's side certainly appear to be better equipped to mount a sustained assault on the title this year, having finished fourth and some 18 points behind champions United in May. [LNB] Cool finish: Fabregas was on target in the 4-1 win over Wolves[LNB]Wenger hopes Brazilian midfielder Denilson could be in contention by the time the squad come back to London Colney ahead of the trip to Sunderland on November 21, with England forward Theo Walcott possibly ahead of the Chelsea game. [LNB]The Gunners boss is cautiously optimistic for the challenges ahead. [LNB]'Something that is very important is that we have built the team together for a few years,' Wenger said. 'Players arrived at the age of 16 and so I enjoy it more because you are not allowed to do that any more in the modern game. [LNB]'That is why I am really happy when we play as a real team.'[LNB] Memories of Arsenal's civil war under Gallas have been banished, says CescChelsea skipper Terry challenges title rivals, saying: Just try and stop usWolves 1 Arsenal 4: Goal crazy Gunners on their way to 150Wolves 1 Arsenal 4: 'I'm a believer,' says Wenger of his free-scoring GunnersArsenal, Liverpool and Man City target Krasic in showdown talks with CSKAARSENAL FC
