We're gunning for second - Cole

Ashley Cole has warned Arsenal’s rivals for Champions League qualification the Gunners have their eye on second place in the Premiership.

The 7-0 thrashing of Middlesbrough moved Arsene Wenger’s side to within three points of fourth-placed Tottenham, who they have a game in hand over.

While the Highbury club may well have seen their title dreams fade as they currently trail runaway leaders Chelsea by some 24 points, claiming runners-up spot remains within reach – provided they can put together a sustained run of form.

And England defender Cole, now fit again following a fractured bone in his foot, sees no reason why the Gunners cannot continue their resurgence over the second half of the campaign.

“Realistically, we are not [now] going to aim for the top spot, but if we can keep winning all our games then we can get second,” he said.

“A team like Arsenal has to be in the Champions League and there is a lot of expectation on the players.”

However the England left-back admitted: “We should not get too carried away with the result against Boro, because there were a lot of youngsters out there playing against us.

“It was a good committed performance and one which we needed. Now we have to do that again in the next games which come up.”

Cole came off the bench following a hamstring injury to Pascal Cygan during the first half, which marked his long-awaited return after having to watch from the stands since October.

The 25-year-old told Arsenal TV Online: “I did not expect to come on so early, but it is good to be back and playing wit the lads, and also getting a great result.

“As a footballer, you always want to be playing, but the lads have done okay when I was not playing.

“It is good to see the young ones getting a chance now and we have all got to look forward to the ext games.”

Cole continues to find himself the subject of intense transfer speculation, with Spanish sides Real Madrid and Barcelona both reported to be tracking him.

However, the England international maintains he is solely focussed on staying fit and is looking forward to playing alongside the rest of his team-mates at Arsenal’s new 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium next season.

Cole is on a long-term deal with the Gunners, and Wenger has indicated the club would be willing to extend those terms for the highly-rated defender.

“As I keep saying, I have three years left [on my contract].

“Firstly I am just trying to get fit now and then have to keep playing and we will see at the end of the season.”

Cole added: “Everyone can’t wait to play in the new stadium. We are all going to miss Highbury, but you can’t not look forward to playing in a great stadium like that.”

Arsenal’s reserves play against Leicester at Hinckley United this evening, and Wenger suggested last week that Cole could be handed another run-out to help sharpen up his match fitness.