Arsenal FC

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• Manager:Arsene Wenger

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Wenger: Title is within reach

15 Aug 2008 - 15:47:13

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has backed his youthful side to mount a serious title challenge this season.

The Gunners finished four points adrift of eventual champions Manchester United last season in third place.

But despite seeing several experienced players leave the Emirates Stadium this summer and landing only youthful replacements, Wenger is bullish about his side's chances of challenging for the title.

"We feel we were a fraction short last year by not much," he said.

"We want to show we can get the four points which made the difference last year between us and the winner.

"Of course we have lost some players but we have also brought some players. We opted for some stability."

Meanwhile, Wenger has confirmed that defender Kolo Toure and summer signing Samir Nasri have both been passed fit to face West Bromwich Albion in Saturday's curtain-raiser.

"Kolo is still short," revealed Wenger. "But because we have so many injuries I have to rush him a little bit.

"So compared to Wednesday night, Nasri and Kolo are back in the squad."

However, Philippe Senderos (hamstring), Cesc Fabregas (hamstring), Abou Diaby (thigh), Eduardo da Silva (broken leg), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Amaury Bischoff (groin) and Alex Song (Olympics) are all unavailable.