Gunners boss backs start to go the distance.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he and his side are quietly confident of mounting a challenge for the Premier League title this term in what he believes will be one of the most open title races in the division’s history, talkSPORT reports.
The Gunners are currently two points clear at the top of the Premier League table after disposing of Swansea by a scoreline of 2-1 this weekend, easing them past defending champions Manchester United, who are currently sat in 12th place following their surprise home defeat to West Bromwich Albion.
All the teams considered to be major title contenders have all lost at least one of their opening six games of the season, with David Moyes’ United recording just two victories, whilst Manchester City have succumbed to defeats against Aston Villa and Cardiff.
Tottenham Hotspur are one of the league’s other in-form teams as they look to make a good account of themselves following their £103m spending spree this summer.
And though it is too early to give any clear indication over who may emerge as frontrunners for the title this season, Wenger is pleased with the way his side have bounced back from their slow start to the season as they look for their first title since 2004.
“If you look at the results so far, [the title race] is really open this year, the most it has been for a long time,” said the Gunners boss.
“We are confident but we’re also cautious, we went through a big storm after our first game.
“Everybody predicated we are going to have a terrible time, but we’ve responded well to that on the pitch.
“Now we just need to keep our feet on the ground and keep that desire to play together and improve.”
Wenger also praised the form of Aaron Ramsay, who has started the campaign in fine style – bagging eight goals in nine appearances so far.
“He’s more confident in front of goal. He was always in the right place in the box but he missed the chances in the past,” Wenger added.
“But this season technically he is better, his first touch is better and he doesn’t rush his chances.”