Arsene Wenger still believes that Arsenal have what it takes to break their 18-year duck and win the Premier League this season.
Wenger was the last manager to bring the Gunners the Premier League trophy, way back when his famous Invincibles side triumphed in the 2003/04 campaign. His 22-year stint in charge ended in May 2018 and the nature of his departure meant the 73-year-old has become slightly estranged from the club.
He was "really hurt" by the handling of his exit, according to the Gunners' former vice-chairman David Dein. But Arsenal have now built bridges with their former manager, prompting him to return for the first time to watch their 3-1 win over West Ham on Boxing Day.
Asked what it meant to be back after such a lengthy absence, Wenger told Tv2 : “It was fantastic. But I don’t want to talk too much about that.”
He then reflected on the “fantastic display”, which saw Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah all score in a comeback victory. And asked whether they can maintain their form and win the title, he gave a confident reply.
“I think they have all the necessary ingredients, both tactically and mentally,” Wenger said. “They can go all the way. Because, as you see, they create so many chances. I actually see no weaknesses.”
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Arsenal have since increased their lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points thanks to a 4-2 win over Brighton on New Year’s Eve. That result followed Manchester City ’s 1-1 draw against Everton and saw them enter 2023 in a strong position.
Wenger is a big fan of Mikel Arteta’s side and has been consistent in his predictions. While he recognises the threat of Man City, who are managed by Arteta’s mentor Pep Guardiola, he feels the Gunners have everything it takes.
Speaking to beIN Sports in early October, he said: “Yeah, personally I would put them just behind City. [Arsenal are] the second-best team to have a good chance to win the Premier League because Man City at some stage will focus highly on the Champions League.”
Asked if he felt it’s Arsenal’s best chance to challenge, Wenger said: “I think so.”
Arsenal were impressive once again at Brighton, with Saka, Martinelli and Nketiah all finding the back of the net again, alongside captain Martin Odegaard. Those goals meant Kaoru Mitoma and Evan Ferguson were of little consequence.
"My excitement comes from going into the dressing room when the players are talking about what they should have done better today," Arteta said. "That means that they know that we can still play better and be better. And against Newcastle we have to be better."
