• Annual meeting told that Arsenal will win a trophy
this season
• Manager hints he may still be in charge on his 70th birthday
Arsène Wenger believes his side can win both the
Premier League and Champions League this season.
Arsene Wenger celebrated his 60th birthday on Thursday
by telling the Arsenal General Meeting he was convinced his young
side could end their trophy drought this season.
The Gunners boss addressed shareholders at Emirates Stadium on
Thursday morning, when he used the platform to once again champion
the potential of his youthful squad.
Despite an appearance in the Champions League final, Arsenal
have not got their hands on any silverware since the 2005 FA
Cup.
Wenger, though, maintains that can all change come May 2010, his
team having won six from eight Barclays Premier League games so far
and looking well placed to reach the last 16 of Europe's elite club
competition.
"I know that we haven't won a trophy for four years, but we have
been very close and I believe that this year the team will do it,"
said Wenger.
"When I say that, it is not to please you, it is because I am
really convinced of it. "This season we are ready to go for it in
the Premier League, the Champions League and of course both the
cups as well."
Wenger, whose side were hit by a stoppage-time equaliser against
AZ Alkmaar on Tuesday night, added: "We are in October and we know
it will be very tight - it will come down to how resilient,
consistent, intelligent and united we are until the end.
"There will be periods when it will be difficult, but we have to
show our strengths that has always made this club special."
Wenger has certainly put plenty of time and faith in his latest
crop of talent, now led by the likes of captain Cesc Fabregas and
Dutch striker Robin van Persie.
The Arsenal manager firmly believes that can all start to pay
off with consistent results on the pitch over the next seven
months.
"Its not just about pumping money into the team. There is a
magic in our sport and our club," said Wenger, who recently became
the longest serving manager in Arsenal's history.
"We have developed the team in the last four of five years with
a tremendous amount of training to develop them how we want.
"I believe a team is easier to develop if they are grown up
inside the club, from 16 even younger because they learn to love
the club and what it represents."
Wenger, who takes Arsenal to struggling West Ham on Sunday,
added: "I believe it is essential that we maintain our values in
the club.
"It is important that we are proud of the Arsenal way, the way
we play the game and develop players.
"You cannot be a big club and have a small culture. You have to
have a desire to see quality in what to do."
Wenger received a standing ovation and was presented with a book
of signed birthday messages from shareholders.