Source: Team_Talk
Wenger wants Gunners to believe
Arsenal - knocked out of the FA Cup at Stoke on Sunday - travel to Aston Villa on Wednesday night, before then hosting Manchester United, which is swiftly followed by the small matter of a trip to Stamford Bridge and then the visit of Liverpool.[LNB]Just two points separate the top three, although leaders United have played a game more than Arsenal and two more than Chelsea.[LNB]The Gunners, who were some 11 points adrift following home defeat by the Blues at the end of November, have hauled themselves right back into what looks set to be a classic title race following seven league wins in nine matches.[LNB]Wenger feels that strength of character can serve his young squad in good stead for the challenges ahead over the next three weeks.[LNB]"It is an exciting period for us, because we are in a very good position," said Wenger.[LNB]"We have a good level of confidence and know that with so many big games, psychologically it is important to go in with a high level of confidence, so every result has an influence on the next one.[LNB]"Is it make or break? I make it a good opportunity to strengthen our position in the league. That is how I see it.[LNB]Wenger added: "We have taken 23 points out of the last nine games so let's keep our momentum going.[LNB]"We are on a strong run and we have a good opportunity to extend it and strengthen our position in the league on Wednesday night.[LNB]"We want to take advantage of that."[LNB]As well as there being little in terms of points between the two sides, United's 4-0 romp over Hull at the weekend means all three teams now have exactly the same goal difference - plus 34.[LNB]Wenger believes this season's battle for the championship could come down to such small margins.[LNB]"It could be that tight," the Arsenal manager reflected.[LNB]"Let's go well through the next four games and then we will see what the situation is.[LNB]"The goal difference is an indication of the quality of the teams - it is 34 for the top three and after that it goes down to 20."[LNB]Wenger declared: "There is always another way [to play], but the way we have chosen is to score goals.[LNB]"The fact that we have a good goal difference speaks well for us."[LNB]Arsenal may be the league's highest scorers with 59 from 22 games, but have conceded more - 25 compared to 19 for United, from 23 matches, and Chelsea's mean 18 in 21.[LNB]Wenger, though, believes the Arsenal defence, with regulars Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas set to return tomorrow after being rested at Stoke, is now a more compact unit.[LNB]"I believe we are improving our defensive record, even if we conceded a few goals recently.[LNB]"I feel we are stable enough to go into big games and keep clean sheets."[LNB]Arsenal's injury list has become shorter in recent weeks, with midfielder Samir Nasri and striker Nicklas Bendtner both back in full training and could come in contention for the weekend.[LNB]Alex Song and Emmanuel Eboue are set to return from international duty at the African Nations Cup after Cameroon and Ivory Coast both went out at the quarter-final stage.[LNB]Wenger is likely to give Song some extra time to recover, and maintains his squad have coped well without the defensive midfielder.[LNB]"We will see how he comes back. I must say he looked tired in the game yesterday," the Arsenal manager said.[LNB]"I believe you focus always on the players who play.[LNB]"We won twice against Bolton, so we cannot complain.[LNB]"You want all your best players here, but I believe we did quite well."[LNB][LNB] Barclays Premier League To Be in Top 4. Click here to bet.
