Arsene Wenger accepts it was something of a "gamble" to move on
without Thierry Henry but the Arsenal manager is confident his men
are up to the challenge of the Champions League.
There may be continued uncertainty off the pitch with Russian
businessman Alisher Usmanov having increased his shareholding in
the club and over just what the intentions of American billionaire
Stan Kroenke are, but the Gunners have nevertheless made a superb
start to the new campaign.
Wenger's young side sit top of the Premier League table with four
wins and a draw from their five matches, and they will head into
tonight's Champions League clash against Sevilla full of
confidence.
The Arsenal manager, however, knows there is a long way to go
before any silverware is handed out.
"It was a big gamble, and it is one I have not won yet because we
have only played five games and it is nothing," said Wenger, who
reluctantly let his star man join Barcelona during the
summer.
"I knew I took a gamble by losing Thierry - but you cannot keep
(players like Emmanuel) Adebayor (out). At his age you have to let
him play.
"I am not surprised that we have started well - but they have
confirmed my hopes.
"They have strengthened my belief that this team can do well, but
you have to show it on the pitch."
Wenger added: "Many times Michel Platini told me when I went to
watch him for French national teams, 'They give me the ball when we
lead 3-0' so it is natural when a player of the calibre of Thierry,
they look for him first to do something, and when he is not there
somebody else, it is a bit more shared."
The Arsenal manager knows the visit of Spanish side Sevilla -
coached by Juande Ramos, who was targeted by Tottenham as a
replacement for beleaguered boss Martin Jol - will provide a stern
test of their European credentials.
He said: "My players must show the same belief, drive and
consistency they have shown in the Premier League so far.
"There is a hunger in every game to play, and we just want to
continue that. It is a different kind of football."
Wenger added: "It will be between two teams who try to play and go
forward so it should be a good game.
"Maybe they can think as well that if they get a draw at Arsenal
they are in a strong position in the group, so maybe they will
change their philosophy, but usually they go forward."
Defender Kolo Toure, 26, is one of the players whose influence in
the side has increased this season.
However, the Ivory Coast defender knows there is no one single man
able to fill the considerable boots of Henry.
Toure said: "Thierry Henry has been a great player for us, but you
cannot demand another player to do the same as him.
"You can see that everyone is taking their own
responsibility.
"At the moment, we can see that we can score goals from everywhere,
and for a team to stop us scoring is really difficult now because
Cesc (Fabregas) can score, (Alexander) Hleb, (Robin) van Persie,
(Tomas) Rosicky, Adebayor - the dangers can come from everywhere.
That is the difference for this season."
