Wenger: We're benefiting from our stability

Results

Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
18 Aug	7:45 PM	CL	Celtic (A)	2	0	Win

Manager Arsène Wenger says that his team are benefiting from the stability of having a squad that's played together for a few years. But despite seeing his young side demolish Everton 6-1 at Goodison Park and beat Celtic 2-0 at Parkhead, the Frenchman says that they haven't proved anyone wrong yet.

A goal from William Gallas and an own-goal helped seal a result that gives Celtic a mountain to climb during the return leg. The Gunners have opened their account for the new season with 8 goals scored after two games away from home. And it wasn't just the attacking play that had pundits purring, Arsenal also displayed a new toughness in defence that limited Celtic to the occasional shot at goal.

And with many criticising his transfer policy, or lack of spending this summer, Wenger said: "I do not want to make a point, I want to do what is right for the club, the team and help this team achieve success.

"It is a consequence of long, hard work and more than anything I want success for the club and I believe we have potential to do it. But, as I said, I am long enough in the job to know that one game is one game.

"[Saturday's win] doesn't diminish or increase my belief – my belief was full. If I read or listened too much to opinions I would not have done what I have done. But as well I am not naïve enough to think that in one game I have proven the people who doubt us wrong. For us it is down to consistency.

"If you look back at last season we have been very consistent from November until May. We lost two key games but only two key games and against very difficult opponents. But we have been remarkably consistent since November.

"The confidence is a highly important factor. Life is about talent, attitude and opportunity. I believe that we have talent, attitude and we have a good opportunity in front of us to prove we are good enough so let's take it.

"For example, many people were doubting our capacity to win away from home but I would just remind them that we were the team who scored the most goals away from home last season in the Premier League. So it cannot be a complete surprise to people who live with facts."

Wenger added that the usual clubs will be challenging for the top European honour, as apart from Real Madrid no one else has added considerably to their squad.

The Frenchman added: "You would say that Real Madrid is stronger than last year for sure. Barcelona cannot be much weaker and maybe Inter Milan is stronger as well. For the rest of Europe, unless there is somebody else surprising coming out, I can't see any team who has made a revolution."

With one leg in the Champions League already, it's important that we remain focused and finish the job at the Emirates during the second leg. But first, Portsmouth this weekend.

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