Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger sends out title warning

Arsene Wenger insists his side are genuine title contenders after getting a point at the home of the champions yesterday.

The Gunners fought back against Manchester City thanks to Laurent Koscielny’s 82nd-minute leveller at The Etihad.

And Wenger reckons they can now win the Premier League this season.

He said: “We believe it but it’s down to consistency. What happened here should strengthen our belief.

“We are not the perfect team yet, we have room for improvement. If we focus on that, we have a chance.

“Overall I hope the game reassured us about our potential in this league.”

Wenger said a point was the least they deserved and they could have grabbed all three points but for Gervinho blasting a 90th-minute chance over the bar.

The manager said: “I am pleased as that is the minimum we deserved today.

“I’m pleased with the quality of our performance and spirit. I am frustrated as well because I feel there was room to do more.”

Arsenal are unbeaten with two wins and three draws plus a Champions League victory away to Montpellier. They are looking a much stronger proposition than last season.

Critics could still point at some old failings as they wasted chances and then conceded from a set-piece.

Wenger said: “I take this criticism on board as we conceded a goal from a corner. “But City score more than anyone else from set-pieces.”

Goalscorer Koscielny was playing because Thomas Vermaelen had flu but was obviously delighted at the way he grabbed his chance.

He said: “City are champions, it was a good point and we are happy with that against a big team.”

Centre-back Per Mertesacker says Arsenal have the players to win a trophy for the first time since the 2005 FA Cup. He said: “We are a strong squad and have to stick together, that is the most important thing.”