Arsenal have played a game
less than most of their rivals following the Champions League
qualifying round against Celtic and also faced away games at
Everton, Manchester United, Manchester City and Fulham in their
opening six matches.
“We are in a strong position, despite the fact we have lost two
games,” said Wenger. “If you look at the away games we had, it was
at places where other teams can drop points – Manchester, Everton
and Fulham. We should have won the two games in Manchester but that
made our resolve even stronger.
“But let’s not just look at Man United. We have also Chelsea,
Liverpool and maybe Man City. The most important thing is for us to
play at that level and get stronger and stronger.”
Arsenal also have the best goal difference in the entire league,
with their seven games having so far produced 34 goals. Wenger says
that a degree of defensive fragility may be the price his team must
pay for their attacking style.
“We scored six against
Blackburn and their goalkeeper had a great game,” he said.
“There is something in the side that is light-hearted, and
enjoyable to watch. Why? Because they feel they enjoy what they do.
They enjoy to play together and that for me is the most
important.
“When we are confident we have a flow that looks like the goals
will come at any moment and from anywhere. There is some strength
coming out of this team – we have to add some discipline
defensively.
“We looked always like we would score goals. It’s difficult to
have so many people going forward and as well have everybody
straight away defending well. It’s a consequence of our philosophy
a little bit.”