ARSENAL’S victory over Manchester City has given them the belief they
need in the Premier League title race, says manager Arsene Wenger.
The Gunners have not won the title since 2004, but goals from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud were enough against City despite Yaya Toure’s late strike.
“It gives us confidence, strength and belief,” said Wenger, 66.
“We have a bit more maturity in the side now, which you could see in the game when we were under pressure.”
Arsenal are now four points clear of third-placed Manchester City, but re- main two points adrift of leaders Leicester City.
With defending champions Chelsea 15th and seemingly out of contention, the north London side are now favourites to win the league.
They are unbeaten in their last six matches and five of Arsenal’s last six top-flight title wins have seen them in second place at Christmas, including two of their three Premier League titles.
“Two or three years ago we were top for a long time but what is special is that this time we lost important players, had to go to Olympiakos, play at Villa and today, and we won those games,” said Wenger.
“That is positive. I believe that we have shown our talents of spirit, organisation and brilliance all together and that gave us three points.
“When we did not have the legs any more we relied on the spirit and that got us through in the end.”
The Gunners have not won the title since 2004, but goals from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud were enough against City despite Yaya Toure’s late strike.
“It gives us confidence, strength and belief,” said Wenger, 66.
“We have a bit more maturity in the side now, which you could see in the game when we were under pressure.”
Arsenal are now four points clear of third-placed Manchester City, but re- main two points adrift of leaders Leicester City.
With defending champions Chelsea 15th and seemingly out of contention, the north London side are now favourites to win the league.
They are unbeaten in their last six matches and five of Arsenal’s last six top-flight title wins have seen them in second place at Christmas, including two of their three Premier League titles.
“Two or three years ago we were top for a long time but what is special is that this time we lost important players, had to go to Olympiakos, play at Villa and today, and we won those games,” said Wenger.
“That is positive. I believe that we have shown our talents of spirit, organisation and brilliance all together and that gave us three points.
“When we did not have the legs any more we relied on the spirit and that got us through in the end.”
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