Arsene Wenger has challenged
Arsenal to eclipse Manchester United as Premier League champions
next season.
United wrapped up a third consecutive top-flight crown with a
0-0 draw at home to the Gunners on Saturday afternoon.
Arsenal will finish the domestic season in fourth place, having
also been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by United at the
semi-final stage.
Wenger paid tribute to United's success, but hopes his youthful
Gunners team can match the newly-crowned champions next term.
"Deep down I wish it was us not Manchester United," said Wenger
of the title party going on within earshot.
"But that is sport. They were the better team this year, so
congratulations to them.
"We have to make sure that it is on our side next year.
"Things can change quickly, but what we have seen today shows we
have the quality to be up there. We have to keep believing in these
players and work hard.
"They have learned a lot this year."
So committed to the Arsenal cause is Wenger that he is believed
to have turned down the chance to coach Bayern Munich before Louis
van Gaal was appointed at the Allianz Arena this week.
Wenger refused to answer directly when asked about the issue,
preferring instead to focus on Arsenal's exploits in a season he
does not feel was quite the disaster many made it out to be.
"We were not that far off," he said.
"Since November we have lost one game and that was after the
disappointment of losing to Manchester United in the Champions
League.
"We were close in the Champions League and close in the FA Cup
and have been remarkably consistent since November.
"At the moment the team is not getting the credit it deserves,
but it is down to us to come back next year and show the same
consistency."