Gunners answer to Wenger's challenge

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was forced to challenge his team to show their title credentials in Manchester this afternoon.

The usually calm French coach lost his rag during the half-time break of today’s 2-1 win at Manchester City following an insipid opening period during which his side had fallen behind to a bizarre Lauren own goal.

Wenger’s outburst brought the desired response, with Sylvain Wiltord and Freddie Ljungberg slotting home close-range efforts to turn defeat into a victory which took the Gunners three points clear of Manchester United at the top of the Premiership.

“I didn’t think we were determined enough in the first-half,” he said.

“We were playing within ourselves and lost too many battles.

“Our strikers were too isolated from the midfield. We were not dangerous and we weren’t playing how I wanted us to play.

“The boys want it but we weren’t sharp going forward and we needed to play in a different way. After half-time we did much better and created more chances.”

Against his former club, it was an unhappy afternoon for David Seaman, whose blunder gifted Ljungberg his chance to net the winner.

With Sun Jihai trying to hold off Robert Pires as he advanced on to Thierry Henry’s flicked pass, Seaman was too timid when he advanced off his line and succeeded only in kneeing the ball into Ljungberg’s path, who despatched a first-time winner.

“I guess David has got to learn that while Arsenal would probably have held on to the lead we had, we are not at the standard just now,” said City boss Kevin Keegan.

“It shouldn’t have got anywhere near him really. We had three chances to clear it and the first one was just as bad. I wouldn’t have minded if they were down to individual pieces of skill but the defending for both of them was laughable.

“It’s an opportunity lost because Arsenal weren’t having one of their better days and I thought we had a real chance to embarrass them.”

Arsenal, whose preparations were disrupted by a 4am fire alarm at their team hotel last night, took their time to get into the game but with Wenger’s harsh words ringing in their ears, grabbed an equaliser through Wiltord three minutes after the re-start.

With a 100% record from their four games so far, Arsenal have proved Wenger’s wisdom in steering clear of the summer transfer market, with the arrival of Seaman’s solid-looking replacement Jens Lehmann the only notable introduction.

“I am really happy with Jens,” said Wenger, who diplomatically claimed not to have seen Seaman’s error.

“He has adapted very quickly to the team and is a re-assuring presence on crosses. When we are under pressure he is remarkably composed.

“Manchester City played a more direct game than we had planned for and caused us a few problems. But once we got in front I always felt we were quite comfortable.”

Meanwhile, Wenger confirmed there is still a possibility that striker Francis Jeffers could be loaned out before tomorrow’s 5pm transfer deadline.

The England striker has been unable to force his way back into the Gunners’ line-up following his Charity Shield dismissal against Manchester United earlier this month and is desperate for a chance of first-team action.

“I need to have a chat with him to see how he feels because he has become a bit frustrated since getting sent off and he hasn’t been able to play the games he wants,” admitted Wenger.

“It is very difficult to make a decision but there is nothing concrete at the moment.”