Wenger calls for title run-in to begin at Anfield

ARSENE WENGER reaffirmed his long-term commitment to Arsenal yesterday as he urged his players to use tonight’s trip to Anfield as another springboard for a run to the title.

Wenger pre-empted any speculation linking him with the vacant manager's post at Barcelona after the departure of Louis van Gaal.

He said: "I expect myself to be with Arsenal for the whole of my contract. I decided to stay here and that was because I had made a choice and I'm committed to this club.

"I haven't been offered the job at Barcelona and I didn't even know van Gaal wasn't working there any more. I don't even have to say 'no' as I haven't been contacted. But I'm staying here."

Last December, at around the time Wenger was signing his new contract, Arsenal responded to a home defeat by Newcastle by securing a gutsy 2-1 win at Anfield despite being reduced to 10 men. That was the start of the 27-game unbeaten domestic run which took them to their Premier League and FA Cup double.

Wenger continued: "This game is as important as last year's but for different reasons. Last year, it was the turning point of our season. It strengthened our belief and enabled us to make a step forward.

"This year, we have already started on a good run but this could be a booster for us. It could accelerate that belief and consistency away from home."

Wenger refuses to dismiss Liverpool's fading title chances completely, although he also believes there is not yet conclusive proof that Gerard Houllier's side have emerged from their damaging loss of self-belief despite a recent upturn in fortunes.

"Are they over the worst? Frankly, I don't know. Football is a fragile thing and once you lose your confidence, it deteriorates quickly.

"Gerard Houllier has great experience, but we are more concerned by ourselves than Liverpool. This is a very big game for us and we have an opportunity to extend our lead with Manchester United not playing."

Meanwhile, Wenger called on the FA to ensure that the timing of Arsenal's FA Cup fifth round tie at Manchester United does not undermine his side's Champions League campaign.

Wenger wants the tie to take place on Saturday February 15, rather than being moved to the Sunday, as Arsenal face Ajax in the Champions League on the next Tuesday evening at Highbury.

The BBC, who have first choice of the FA Cup televised live fixtures, would ideally like such a big match to be played in a prime-time slot either on Saturday or Sunday evening.

Wenger insisted: "We can play at 1pm or 6pm on the Saturday, but we can't play on the Sunday. That's impossible.

"We play on the Tuesday night so the earlier, the better for us. This is always a big game in this country and across world. It's one that everyone wants to watch."

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier concedes his side are no longer in the title race but added extra spice to the Anfield clash with the Gunners by also claiming the Reds are "still hurting" at being "conned" out of victory at Highbury last month.

"The penalty was not fair I still maintain that," said Houllier. "There seemed to be only two people in the ground who felt it was a penalty. That was very frustrating.

"Not winning at Arsenal has cost us. It has made a big difference because I felt we turned the corner that day, and those two lost points could make a real difference in our season.

"But now it's Anfield, and we want to make a point of winning the game for the supporters as well. I still maintain we should have won there. It was frustrating to only get a draw.

"I believe the title is now between Arsenal and Manchester United but we are in the fight for a Champions League spot."

Keeper Jerzy Dudek returns because of Chris Kirkland's knee injury suffered in the FA Cup against Crystal Palace. He has not played since early December when he was axed after howlers against Manchester United. But Houllier said: "I never lost faith in Jerzy. It was very unfortunate that he had those mistakes because he wasn't used to that. The World Cup and the tiredness after that probably got to him, and it's good that he's now back.

"Jerzy stunned me by the mistakes he made; he is not used to it and he had a tremendous season last time around."