Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 7y

Arsene Wenger likes Arsenal's Prem title chances: 'Why not?'

Arsene Wenger is still convinced that Arsenal will be title challengers in May despite their poor start to the season -- but seems unconvinced that his squad is actually stronger than last year.

Arsenal's title chances have already been written off by many after two losses in their opening three games, including the embarrassing 4-0 hammering at Liverpool before the international break.

That was followed by the deadline-day turmoil when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was sold to Liverpool and a deal for Alexis Sanchez to go to Manchester City fell apart when Arsenal were turned down by Monaco's Thomas Lemar.

But when asked ahead of Saturday's game against Bournemouth whether this squad can still challenge for the title, Wenger quickly replied: "Yes, why not? We have only played three games, and two away games.

"OK, we lost at Liverpool but we can redress the situation very well and very quickly. Some teams who are the new favourites, they are not in a better position than us."

Despite finishing fifth last season, Arsenal added just two new signings in the summer while trimming the squad considerably through outgoing transfers and loan deals.

While fans were bitterly disappointed with the final week of the transfer window, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis sent out a club-wide email declaring that the squad had been made stronger this summer.

Wenger, though, seemed a bit hesitant when asked to back up Gazidis' stance. "I think we are strong enough, yes," he said.

"Stronger? I think it depends on what period of the season [you compare with]. We had contrasting periods of the season last year.

"We have to show that you can improve the team by being together and improving together. Last year we made 75 points, we won the FA Cup and this year we have to do better."

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