Wenger confident of Premier League challenge

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal are capable of making a strong challenge for the Premier League title this season.

The Gunners extended their unbeaten run to 13 games in all competitions with a 4-1 victory against Wolves, which means they keep the pressure on Chelsea and Manchester United for their meeting at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Wolves had made a bright start to the match but were undone by own goals from Ronald Zubar and Jody Craddock. Cesc Fabregas made it 3-0 just before half-time and Andrey Arshavin extended their lead before Craddock headed home a late consolation.

Arsenal were not always at their best during the game but Wenger felt his side controlled the game and are showing they can be real contenders in the title race.

"We had so many chances and they had been under pressure for 10 to 15 minutes before the opening goal," he said. "Overall, we could have scored many more. On every counter attack, we looked dangerous.

"We have scored 36 goals in the league. That is not a coincidence. We can score goals. I feel as though we have a good balance between offensive and defence.

"The desire is there. We just want to strengthen our belief. The most important factor is we play for each other as we do. We have to focus on our performance and continue to develop our style of play.

"We were out of it (the title race) last year after we lost five games in 14. Two years ago, though, we were close to winning it. People forget that. We will keep our humility and play our game."

Wenger also said that he will not read too much into the scoreline between Chelsea and United, and he is not ruling out Liverpool.

"It is too early to calculate too much," he said. "Tomorrow (Sunday) is fantastic for us. Let's hope it is a good game and you enjoy it. You always enjoy a game when you have won.

"Also, I would not discount Liverpool at the moment, even though they have lost five games. Now everyone has lost two, so there is a difference between now and last year."

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy, meanwhile, refused to be downhearted after the home defeat and felt the fans would appreciate his team's effort and approach.

"Our season won't be judged by games against Arsenal," he said. "We have Birmingham coming up and this is the type of game we have to win. Hull, West Ham and Portsmouth are the teams in and around us and matches with them will be important.

"We have been ticking along okay but were well beaten in the end. We were outstanding for 30 minutes and took Arsenal on but mistakes have cost us."