Arsenal have 'no excuses' not to make a challenge for the Premier League title this season, insists manager Arsene Wenger
- Arsene Wenger has urged his side to make a fast start to the new season
- Wenger insists his side have no excuses not to challenge for the title
- He feels he has done enough with his squad to ensure a strong start
- Wenger believes his side can fight to lift a first League title since 2004
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Arsene Wenger says Arsenal have no excuses not to challenge for the Premier League title.
The Gunners finished third last season, but their campaign was hindered by players returning late from the World Cup and injuries to key individuals.
Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker were part of the Germany squad who lifted the trophy in Brazil and came back exhausted, while Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud suffered lengthy spells out.
Arsene Wenger says Arsenal have no excuses not to challenge for the Premier League title this season
Only Danny Welbeck is out injured as Arsenal prepare to kick off their season at Wembley against Chelsea
But as Arsenal prepare to face Chelsea in the Community Shield, only Danny Welbeck is injured and Wenger believes his side can fight to lift a first League title since 2004.
‘Even last year we had no excuses, just the fact Chelsea started strongly and we didn’t. And there were reasons, that is for sure,’ said Wenger. ‘This season it is different.’
It is a decade since Arsenal finished in the top two but Wenger believes the gap to Chelsea is slim.
And, by signing goalkeeper Petr Cech, and keeping his squad fit throughout an undefeated pre-season, Wenger hopes he has done enough to ensure a strong start.
‘I believe they [Chelsea] were more stable than us defensively and they had a good start,’ he said.
‘After six games we were 11 points behind Chelsea and we finished 12 points behind. After six games the decision was made. Chelsea out off the blocks very positively and that made the difference.’
Wenger believes the signing of Petr Cech from Chelsea will help them challenge for the title again this season
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