Arsene Wenger knows "hungry" Arsenal face a "massive challenge" as
they head into what could prove to be a defining period of their
campaign.
The Gunners currently lead the Barclays Premier League as they
prepare for Sunday's trip to struggling Middlesbrough.
The game at the Riverside is the first of a run of eight matches in
the space of some 21 days - which include a Champions League group
decider against whipping-boys Steaua Bucharest, a showdown with
title rivals Chelsea and a Carling Cup quarter-final at
Blackburn.
With the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Mathieu Flamini, Alex Hleb and
striker Robin van Persie all on the treatment table rather than
available for selection, the Arsenal manager is all too aware of
just how crucial this next month could prove to be.
"It's a massive challenge and we are still hungry," declared
Wenger.
"We used to dominate games in the second half, but in the last two
games we dropped our pace a little bit.
"We want to get back to the full 90 minutes because that is needed
if you want to be consistent."
He added: "We also want to win against Steaua because we want to
finish top of the group.
"If we win, we have over a 50% to be top of the group - and it is
the best way to prepare for Chelsea."
Wenger may have something of a selection poser as he takes his
depleted squad back to the north-east following their midweek draw
at Newcastle, but the Frenchman is confident there is enough depth
within the ranks to get another positive result and extend the
club's unbeaten league start to 16 games.
Wenger maintained: "We are confident.
"Players like Gilberto have a good opportunity to show that he
still has an important part in the squad.
"We still have Denilson, who did not play at Newcastle on Wednesday
night. Then there are players like Nicklas Bendtner and Theo
Walcott, who have come on and are knocking at the door."
Gunners captain William Gallas insists his team-mates have the
stomach for a sustained title challenge.
"When a manager is under pressure, they ask the players to fight
during 90 minutes," he said.
"I think Newcastle is a good example [for Middlesbrough] because
the players didn't want to lose the game. They played for
themselves and for the manager.
"We will be tired - but we can find the power to be ready for 90
minutes.
"The best thing is to win every game. We have to come back from
there with a victory. It is important for the future."
