• Premier League

Wenger: We proved title credentials

ESPN staff
December 27, 2013
Lukas Podolski scored on his return after four months out with a hamstring injury © Getty Images
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Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal proved their title credentials after coming from a goal down to win 3-1 at West Ham.

Arsenal had not won in four games in all competitions, and had slipped to second in the table behind Liverpool before kick-off yesterday.

Things got worse when they fell behind to Carlton Cole's goal a minute after the restart at Upton Park, having wasted several chances to go in front in the first half.

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But Wenger's side put paid to suggestions they are not genuine title contenders with Theo Walcott scoring twice and Lukas Podolski also hitting the back of the net on his return from four months out with a hamstring injury.

"We've answered some big questions," said Wenger. "If we hadn't won we would have had to answer many questions. It was the kind of game that many people would have questioned us if we had not won and even more if we'd lost.

"Does this performance prove you are genuine title contenders? Yes. The team wants to do well and the character is great.

"Our concentration is top. We have had a difficult period but, honestly, that's mainly down to the schedule we have had. I completely think that the schedule was absolutely horrendous.

"When you do not win for four games it is important to come back for the confidence level and win."

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