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Arsene Wenger says he is proud of his recent achievements
and prouder still of the way he has built his current crop of
Arsenal tyros.
Since the Invincibles' astonishing unbeaten league season of
2003-04 the Gunners have yet to win a trophy, while the new money
of Chelsea and Manchester City has threatened to eclipse the London
club entirely.
Arsenal have in recent years been out-powered in individual matches
against their closest competitors and outlasted in the title
race.
However, Wenger has during this time developed such stellar talents
as Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor into
leading lights of the Premier League.
And he says his moneyed rivals are taking the easy route to
success.
His present side have an average age as low as 22 and are still in
the title frame as the contest with leaders Chelsea and holders
Manchester United enters its closing stages.
And while Wenger recognizes the might of Chelsea and the inexorable
rise of the Sky Blues, he claims victories that cannot be displayed
in a trophy cabinet.
"City will get it right, they need time," Wenger told the
Telegraph.
"We have to count City as a competitive force in the
future because of the money; City and Chelsea have a way to be
successful.
"Buying players of 27, 28 is the easiest way to do
management.
"We have gone a different way: we have created a special spirit
because our players have lived together from 16 onwards."
For Wenger this spirit is closely allied to the spirit and
well-being of football itself.
He added: "It is important for football in
general that Arsenal are successful; it will make people believe
there is not only one way.
"I listen to people who say: "We lost but we had five or six
players of 22'.
"We have an average age of 22 and we're fighting for the
championship.''
Arsenal also remain in the hunt for the Champions League, in
which they were beaten finalists in 2006, as well as continuing to
delight with their nimble swift-passing game - two more reasons for
Wenger to believe in his methods.
"Trophies are cherry on the cake," Wenger
said.
"People say in the last five years Arsenal have achieved
nothing.
"Which would you prefer? Winning the Carling Cup or reaching the
Champions League final?
"Champions League final of course.
"In 2006 we have been in the final, but because we did not get
the trophy, people say the achievement was rubbish.
"But it's the first time Arsenal have reached the Champions
League final - that's an achievement."