Wenger: We are title contenders now

ARSENE WENGER hopes Arsenal’s battling performance at Liverpool has convinced more people that his side are serious contenders for the Premier League title.

Wenger was delighted with the spirit his side showed after falling behind at Anfield to rescue their unbeaten start to the season.

It was Arsenal’s first meeting with one of the so-called Big Four this season and Wenger is convinced more than ever that his team can push Manchester United and Chelsea all the way this season.

“I’m very pleased with the performance and the attitude of the team,” said Wenger, after watching his side return to the top of the Premier League table courtesy of Cesc Fabregas’ smartly-taken 80th-minute equaliser.

“The players are frustrated that they didn’t get three points. But you have to be realistic as well. We were 1-0 down after an edgy start, when we were punished quickly by Liverpool.

“But we have shown a fantastic quality and mental strength which has allowed us to come back.

“We have come out of this first big test very strong.

“I was always confident about our ambitions this season but I hope this performance has convinced a few more people.

“There’s a long way to go, but in my opinion we have the talent to fight up there for the title.”

Arsenal’s title credentials face another huge test when they play host to second-placed Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Both teams are level on points at the top of the table with United having played one game more.

United manager Alex Ferguson was at Anfield to run the rule over Arsenal, although he had already made his way home to Manchester by the time Fabregas poached his late leveller.

“Manchester United is another test,” added Wenger. “We go into it much stronger — especially after our performance against Liverpool. Of course it will be a big challenge but we will be there.”

Despite Wenger’s satisfaction at the outcome, Fabregas was disappointed not to be returning to London with a memorable away victory.

While Arsenal’s travelling supporters celebrated their hard-earned point deliriously in the Anfield Road end, the former Barcelona trainee betrayed his high standards by clutching his head and looking to the skies when the final whistle blew.

“We had some good chances to steal it,” Fabregas said. “Obviously I’m delighted to have scored — especially as it was such a big match, although it was a bit of a soft goal. I had more time than I thought and I didn’t take it well but sometimes you score easy goals.”

“But we’re a bit disappointed not to have got the win. We have another big game coming up next weekend against Manchester United.

“We’re confident we can do well against them. It’s been a good start to the season.”