Wenger predicts Arsenal revival

By Pete Sanderson

Arsenal FC manager Arsène Wenger may be cursing his team's poor start to the UEFA Champions League season after a 3-0 humbling by Internazionale FC on Matchday 1. But the Frenchman was quick to point out that his players should be judged over six games and not one surprise result as they prepare for the second test of their Group B campaign - a trip to FC Lokomotiv Moskva.

'More hungry'
"It was important to make a good start to the Champions League against Inter," Wenger told uefa.com. "But we didn't and now we must do our best to make up for that. Maybe it will make us a bit more hungry and keen to do better. It is better to judge a team over six games rather than two. Over six games the best team will come out."

Underachievers' tag
Arsenal bowed out at the second group stage last term, heralding a run of form that led to them conceding their Premiership title to Manchester United FC. However, Wenger resents the idea that his side are perennial underachievers. "UEFA's ranking system makes us the number five team in Europe," he said. "I think it shows that we have not performed as badly as some people think in previous campaigns."

Inspiring form
In contrast to their performance against Inter, Arsenal have hit the heights on the home front and beat Newcastle United FC 3-2 on Friday to maintain their lead at the top of the Premiership. Nevertheless, the manager is wary of overconfidence.

No targets
"I think it has been our best start to the Premiership in decades," said the Frenchman. "We have started strongly but it does not change anything. We do not give ourselves specific targets for the season because things can happen in a season which can change everything."

Team spirit
Wenger could be without the services of four key players in Moscow. Patrick Vieira, Fredrik Ljungberg, Martin Keown and Ashley Cole all took knocks in the victory against Newcastle. However, the way his players soldiered on at Highbury on Friday was a source of immense pride. "By the end we were nearly down to eight men, but we never gave in and won the game, so that was fantastic," said Wenger. "It shows you all about our spirit and how united the team is."

Resources limited
With the club having to make major investments off the pitch to fund their move to a bigger stadium than Highbury on a site at nearby Ashburton Grove, Wenger was not able to spend money on new players over the summer, with only veteran goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and young Swiss defender Philippe Senderos bolstering his options.

Settled squad
However, he has been able to keep hold of the core of his squad, including inspirational captain Vieira, winger Ljungberg and goalscoring sensation Thierry Henry. "One thing is for sure - we have a lot of stability because we have almost the same group of players we had three years ago and this can only help," said the manager.

Path to glory
And with the Champions League format having been simplified to dispense with the second group stage, Wenger believes Arsenal can prosper in the competition. "The format can help us because the old format did not suit us," he said. With the road to the final in Gelsenkirchen clearly marked, Wenger is determined that this season, Arsenal will not fall by the wayside.