• Premier League

Wenger: Arsenal don't need overhaul

ESPN staff
May 8, 2014
Wenger: We won the stamina league

Arsene Wenger feels there is no need to invest heavily in the transfer market this summer as he remains convinced his squad can challenge for the Premier League and Champions League next season.

Arsenal saw their top flight challenge fall away with heavy defeats at Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Everton and have had to settle for fourth place once again.

When asked whether he believed a massive injection of transfer funds would be required to transform them from top four regulars into title contenders, he responded: "It depends what you call massive. Seven points [to leaders Manchester City] is nothing, it's two games.

Ozil satisfied with debut season

Mesut Ozil has scored five times for Arsenal this season © PA Photos
  • Arsenal forward Mesut Ozil admits he has had an "up-and-down" season, but says he is "happy" with his first year in the Premier League.
  • Click here to continue reading

"If you look at it, every team at the top four is frustrated. You think we could have got this point here, this point there, we would win the league. You look at Chelsea and Liverpool, they could say the same.

"We have to continue to develop as a team. We have bridged a gap [from last season] and we want to be better next season. How do we achieve that? We have hard work.

"My team has shown a remarkable mental attitude in their consistency. I'm proud of the way we have responded. We are looking at aspects where we can improve internally I am convinced we can do it."

Wenger offered praise for City, who need just a point from their final game against West Ham at home to secure the title, for their pending success and the pleasing approach that has helped take them to the brink of more glory.

"It looks like they [City] will win it now, it would need a miracle for them not to win it. Congratulations to them," said Wenger.

"City just won it in the end, just getting over the line. They won the marathon and they turned up in the last 100 yards, they turned up when it mattered.

"There were a few turning points and one big turning point was the Everton game that they won [3-2 last weekend]. It was not easy for them and it was very difficult for them to get over the line as well. Liverpool had an outstanding second part of the season and they are the most unlucky team of the season because they were nearly there. It was a very interesting season in the Premier League.

"I believe it was very tight at the top and the bottom. The difference between us and the team that wins the league will be a maximum of seven points if we win our last game.

"We have been 128 days at the top of the Premier League, so we won the stamina league, but we failed in some big games away from home.

"To be completely honest, as well, a team like City has scored 100 goals. So you have to say their offensive potential has been absolutely brutal and fantastic. Liverpool as well. We scored 66 at the moment and that is certainly where we have room for improvement."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close