Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60,432

Wenger sets sights on third

27 Apr 2009 - 08:09:45

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Arsene Wenger has set his sights on third place in the Premier League table following Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough on Sunday.

The Gunners boss named a strong side for the visit of the relegation-threatened north-east club despite having a Champions League semi-final first leg meeting with Manchester United on the horizon on Wednesday night.

Two goals from captain Cesc Fabregas secured the victory and moved the in-form north London club to within six points of third-placed Chelsea.

"The first target was to win the game and that is the best preparation (for the United game)," said Wenger.

"At 2-0, you could see maybe the Champions League started a little bit to surface, but it was a very good game against a Middlesbrough team who played in a very positive way.

"We dominated it, we made some brilliant passing and some brilliant combinations - especially the first goal which I believe was absolutely outstanding."

Regarding his side's grasp of fourth place in the table and qualification for next season's Champions League, Wenger added: "It is now not completely definite, but it is 10 points with four games to go.

"We can focus now on catching Chelsea, because we still have to play them at home."

Meanwhile, Wenger confirmed that ex-United defender Mikael Silvestre is a major doubt for the first-leg against his former club after leaving the Boro game at half-time with a recurring back problem.