Wenger challenges Arsenal to seize title momentum

Posted Sunday, January 02, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

LONDON (AFP) - Arsene Wenger has challenged his Arsenal players to bounce back from their disappointment at Wigan and seize the momentum in the Premier League title race.

Wenger's side squandered a chance to go into 2011 level on points with leaders Manchester United after a late own goal from Sebastien Squillaci condemned the Gunners to a frustrating 2-2 draw against Wigan on Wednesday.

The north London club are still only two points behind United and second placed Manchester City however and Wenger is convinced the title is Arsenal's for the taking if they can piece together a lengthy winning run.

They can kick-start their bid by beating Birmingham on Saturday before Manchester City visit the Emirates Stadium in January 5.

"It is Arsenal's title to win. We have to go on a run and be consistent," Wenger said on Friday.

"The only thing we have learnt from this first six months is that the team who will be the most consistent, with great emotional stamina and resolve will win it.

"It could be the league of the mentally strong. It is a league with a lot of ups and downs and the teams who deal the best with that will certainly win it.

"We have always been strong mentally, but we have not been as mature as we are now.

"I think we have courage, intelligence and talent in the squad. To be capable of putting these three ingredients together in every single game will be decisive."

After the high of beating Chelsea 3-1 on December 27, the draw at Wigan was a major blow, but Wenger believes there is still plenty to look forward to in the new year.

His side have gone five years without a trophy but they still have four opportunities to end that barren run.

As well as the English title bid, Arsenal will face Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League, Ipswich in the League Cup semi-finals and Leeds in the FA Cup third round next weekend.

"I feel that we are on a good track, we are in a strong position," Wenger said.

"If you make it as simple as you can, our away record is fantastic and our home record needs improvement.

"Recently we have seen that at home we are much more efficient than at the start of the season where we had some hiccups.

"I feel the team is really on the right track on the belief, on the quality of our game.

"We have made huge improvements and there is a lot more to come from this team."

Wenger had criticised his defenders after conceding that late equaliser against Wigan from a set-piece and he once again called for greater communication between the back-four.

"We have the individual quality and we have to take more initiative on the communication side," he said.

"Sometimes I felt people are not informed enough, when they are alone they could control the ball instead of letting it out.

"That is just details. A team is always on the search to improve and communicating is one of the natural ways to achieve that."

Wenger also Arsenal are "not close to signing anybody", with the Gunners boss ruling out a January move for former England captain David Beckham, while confirming Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey would return from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest.

Meanwhile, young centre-back Havard Nordtveit has joined Borussia Monchengladbach in a permanent deal.