Arsene Wenger: 'Third is platform to title'

Arsene Wenger has claimed that a third-placed Premier League finish would represent a platform from which Arsenal could mount a title challenge next season.

The Gunners drew 1-1 at Manchester United on Sunday to earn a point that keeps them two ahead of the Red Devils in the race for a top-three finish.

Wenger's side, who sit 13 points behind champions Chelsea, can wrap up third place in midweek when they host Sunderland in their game in hand.

Although he admits that he is unhappy to see such a gulf separating Arsenal and Chelsea, the Frenchman says that it represents something of an achievement given that his side sat eighth at one point.

"Satisfaction is always a tricky question. If they'd asked me in October then I would have said yes," he told the club's official website.

"Overall of course you want to be first but 17 teams would exchange position with you. It is a continuity in our results and it is a platform to do better next season. That's our aim."

Ander Herrera fired the hosts into a 1-0 half-time lead at Old Trafford, but Tyler Blackett's own goal in the final 10 minutes helped earn the visitors a point.