Wenger keen to stay focused as gap is closed to five points

ARSENE WENGER revealed how a blinkered approach could be the key in the title race after the reigning champions moved back to within five points of the Chelsea side who crave their Premiership crown.

The Gunners boss insisted that the results of Chelsea, Manchester United and Everton should be treated with a pinch of salt at this stage of the campaign.

“We focus on our side and the way we want to play and our target is to do as well as we can until the end of the season,” said Wenger.

“There’s such a long time to go, so many games to play, it’s too early to focus on the results of the other teams. I’m very confident, the desire and hunger in the team is stronger than ever. It will be a fight until the end.”

For Wenger the victory and three points represented a night’s work well done. Arsenal go on to face Charlton at The Valley on Saturday, before taking on Manchester City at Highbury next Tuesday, as their pursuit of the apparently indefatigable leaders carries over into the new year.

Graeme Souness, whose Newcastle side have now won just one of their last nine matches, is coming under increasing pressure. His team turned in an improved performance without hitting top gear.

Souness said: “We should have had something from the game. I felt we were better than them tonight. We had most of the possession, we huffed and puffed, maybe we should have done more with the final ball when we got there. We dominated the midfield which is a big ask against Arsenal who are particularly strong in there. I’m really proud of them tonight but I’m frustrated again.”