Arsenal can win English title from the front: Wenger
Stephen Wood
Table-topping Arsenal believe they can lead from the front for the rest of this season all the way to another English premier league title, according to manager Arsene Wenger.
After a run of five defeats in six games -- two of which were in the league -- last season's double winners again head the standings, and Wenger says they can set the pace all the way through to May next year.
"If you are first and you only feel you can lose, you must be crazy," Wenger told reporters at the club's training ground on Friday.
"Of course, (our job) is far from done this season, but I feel much more pressure when we are second.
"You want to be in front...then, you only have to rely on your own performances. In 1998, we came from behind to win the title -- now we have to change tactics."
Wenger accepts he must guide Arsenal to back to-back premier league titles if he has any chance of earning comparisons with the all-time great managers in English football.
"Manchester United have achieved it (in recent terms), and I would love to achieve it as well," said Wenger.
"It would have deep meaning, that's why I fight so hard for it.
"It is not more difficult to win it again, because you have the experience. But after winning a title once, you might relax too much -- only real champions win it again and again.
UNITED WARNING
"We have had a blip and bounced back very well, but if it taught us anything, it is that 'lose your concentration and you will be punished quickly'.
"Two weeks ago, we were seven points behind Liverpool, but now we are ahead -- our target is to go on another (unbeaten) run and keep the momentum going."
Arsenal lead Liverpool by one point, with United, Arsenal's main rivals in the last decade, struggling to keep up in fifth position.
"I don't know what's going on at United...but I know that a team of that quality are not out of the title race," said Wenger.
"Statistically, there is no way they are in crisis."
Arsenal have two Champions League second stage fixtures -- against Roma and Valencia -- to play alongside the premier league programme in November and December.
Wenger said: "You know that, to win the English championship, the Christmas period -- with the congestion of important games -- is vital.
"The concentration of the players will be so important in the next six weeks...By January, you will have a more realistic view of the title race."
Wenger has already guided Arsenal to two domestic doubles in 1997-'98 and last season.
