Bullish Wenger talks up Arsenal’s title chances

While the eye-catching Cup final performance showcased Arsenal‘s array of attacking talent, it was the mature way his players defended the lead against the Premier League champions on Sunday that provided most encouragement to Wenger.

In his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s 2015-16 English Premier League opener with West Ham United, Wenger addressed reports that Arsenal were preparing a club-record €65 million move for Karim Benzema and continued to dismiss the interest in the French worldwide. “One of our targets is to start strong, we’ve had good preparation and that should give us needed confidence”.

The Hammers kick-off their Premier League campaign at Arsenal on Sunday under new boss Slaven Bilic.

Wenger insists he will not ask 23-year-old Wilshere to adapt his approach to the game. Benzema has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates this summer and recent suggestions were Arsenal had a bid rejected for the 27-year-old. That’s the way football is, the club had a good pre-season but like last year it will mean nothing if they don’t get off to a good start.

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker believes Cech has already developed into a key player. That’s important as well – that we develop what we do well and do not stand still.

“You must not listen too much to what people say because sometimes in the same week I get two different reproaches”.

Wenger added: “We are all programmed through our education to respond in the game situations like we are used to, and with age and experience we use our qualities in a more efficient way but we do not change the way we play“.

The build up to their first game of the season has been hardly ideal for West Ham. That means we develop our cohesion, our passing game.

“I would like us to play good football, to win games”, Bilic said when asked what would constitute a successful campaign. The adverse effect of this is that Chelsea will be even more motivated to beat Arsenal, but they will no longer have the flamboyant attitude in their minds that they won’t lose against their London rivals.

Captain John Terry has urged his Chelsea team-mates to heed the wake-up call presented by their 1-0 FA Community Shield defeat to Arsenal. I wouldn’t say one because I speak with all my team-mates.

Arsene Wenger recently denied a move to bring Benzema to Arsenal, but he is well known for being quiet on transfer rumours until a deal is nearly certain to be finalised.