Wenger: Gunners belief is growing

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal can convince themselves that a Barclays Premier League title challenge is possible by winning over the sceptics.

The French manager is confident the Gunners are becoming increasingly comfortable with their position at the top, and thinks victories over top four rivals like Liverpool will do his players’ morale no harm whatsoever.

“The belief is inside the team,” Wenger said.

“I think it creates a bit more belief outside the team as well, and that comes back into the team again.

“People start to say, ’oh maybe Arsenal’ (can win the league), maybe people give us a bit more credit, and that can reinforce the belief.

“But it’s down to us how consistent we can be.

“We haven’t won the title since 2004 and we were not in contention last year, so I don’t blame people for their views.

“It’s down to us to create that belief, and through our performances we can do that.”

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal are now striking fear into the hearts of their opponents after moving clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League with a 2-0 win on Saturday night.

The Gunners now head out to Germany for a crunch Champions League Group F showdown with Borussia Dortmund, who ran out 2-1 winners at the Emirates Stadium a fortnight ago.

Spain midfielder Arteta, who captained the side again on Saturday, reckons people are now starting to sit up and take notice of what this Arsenal squad are capable of.

“When you are at the top, compared to where we were last season, it is different,” Arteta said.

“We have more belief and are starting to create a bit of fear into the opposition. That is giving us a better chance to win the game.

“When you are on a good run and the confidence level is high, it makes everything a bit easier.”

Arsenal face another stern examination of just what they can achieve in 2014 when they head to the Westfalenstadion for Wednesday night’s clash with Jurgen Klopp’s well-drilled outfit.

A late goal from Poland forward Robert Lewandowski gave the German outfit victory in north London just when it seemed Arsenal had done enough to fight back and earn a draw.

Arsenal are determined to get a positive result this time around, according to Arteta.

“Dortmund will be a very different game, with the way they play, so we will have to get ready for it,” the 31-year-old said.

“We conceded a goal when we were on top in the game, and were likely to score a second to kill the game.

“But we know in the Champions League against those teams you are limited to small chances, and it was our fault.”