Arsene Wenger feels Arsenal have once again shown they possess the
qualities needed to sustain a challenge for the Premier League
title.
Arsenal made it five wins from their last six matches with a
resounding 4-1 victory at crisis club Portsmouth on Wednesday
night.
The Gunners are now just four points behind leaders Chelsea
with a game in hand, a situation which seemed inconceivable
following last month's crushing home defeat by the Blues.
The visitors were always in command at Fratton Park after
Eduardo's free-kick had deflected in off Younes Kaboul. Samir Nasri
drilled in a second just before half-time and teenager Aaron Ramsey
smashed home a third on 69 minutes.
Although Nadir Belhadj pulled a goal back, Cameroon
midfielder Alex Song nodded in a fourth with 10 minutes left.
"We were very up for it in midfield and dominated where, a
few weeks ago, people thought we were not capable of that," said
Wenger. "I am not surprised at what we've done since Chelsea. When
we lost 3-0 I think people at that time didn't believe what I said.
It's good.
"It shows that not only I can be wrong, but you can all be
wrong too." Wenger added: "I think the Premier League is completely
open.
"What is interesting this season is that, from Chelsea to Man
City or even Liverpool, everybody could still be in there.
"Every weekend you will wonder who will drop points." Arsenal
have now chalked up 51 goals in 19 matches, and all without the
services of injured Holland forward Robin van Persie.
"Everybody tells me to buy strikers but nobody has scored
more goals than us in the league," Wenger said. "We have players
who move the ball well and everybody gets in dangerous positions.
"With the confidence high, everyone can score goals, but we
are still in the market."
Wenger, meanwhile, confirmed he expected injured captain Cesc
Fabregas to be out for around 10 days with a hamstring problem,
meaning the influential Spaniard would miss the FA Cup third round
tie at West Ham this weekend, while England winger Theo Walcott is
also set for a short spell on the sidelines.
"Let's say the only question mark we have is does Cesc make
Everton or not [on January 9]," Wenger added. "Walcott is a ripped
muscle [in his side] and about the same, 10 to 12 days."
