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Arsene Wenger: 'Arsenal need to challenge for trophies'

Wenger: 'Arsenal need to challenge for trophies'
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Arsene Wenger wants Arsenal to be challenging at the top of the Premier League next season.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted that his side need to start challenging for honours next season, as they try to secure a top-four spot in the Premier League.

The Gunners haven't won a trophy since lifting the FA Cup in 2005 and have fallen short in many competitions since then, with the side frequently facing a battle to consolidate a Champions League place.

The North Londoners face competition from rivals Tottenham Hotspur for fourth place in the league, but Wenger wants his team to be fighting at the top come this time next year.

"Last year we made 70 points and finished third. This year, we can make 73 points and finish fourth, so what you want to do is have a consistency and fight for the Premier League," said Wenger. "Finishing fourth is the minimum required.

"You could see that when Chelsea's Champions League position was under threat, they came out quickly and said 'no, what is most important for us is to be in the Champions League next year'. It is difficult to achieve, but we have done it over the years. Is it enough? No. We want more, but this year, Manchester United was above everybody else.

"We have rebuilt the team and since January we have certainly done very well if you look at the number of points we have taken compared to the other teams. We have created a good basis and that stability can help us start strongly next season."

Arsenal host Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

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Matt Cotton
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