Arsene Wenger celebrated the 19th anniversary of his arrival as Arsenal manager with a stunning 3-0 victory over Manchester United that reinforced his belief that they can launch a serious challenge for the Premier League title this season.
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Wenger became Arsenal manager in October, 1996 and although the week of his anniversary began badly when they lost to Olympiakos Piraeus in the Champions League, he had plenty to smile about on Sunday.
The victory, their first over United in the League since May 2011 and the biggest league win over them for 17 years, lifted Arsenal into second place in the table, above United on goal difference and two points behind leaders ManchesterCity after eight games.
Arsenal scored three times in the first 19 minutes en route to a win that sent them up to second place in the table.
"That's what you want in games of that stature," Wenger said.
"We started very strong, we decided to press very high, to play at a great pace, and we did that very well.
"In the second half we decided to be disciplined, control the result, and we did that very well as well, so we had two aspects in our game that are pleasing and were convincing today (Sunday).
"It gives a strong answer to all the questions that were raised during the week."
Arsenal have not won the title since their ‘invincible season’ of 2003-04 when they went through the league campaign unbeaten.
"We beat Leicester 5-2 last week and have now beaten United so we have scored eight goals in two games against two big opponents and everyone played very well today," Wenger told reporters.
"To win in a big game is always a statement as far as the title race is concerned. We are in it. We are two points off the leaders ManchesterCity so I hope that result today gives us the belief and ambition we need."
Arsenal dazzled United from the start, racing into a 2-0 lead after seven minutes with strikes from Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil. Sanchez wrapped up the points up with Arsenal's third and his second in the 19th minute.
