Arsene Wenger: I would’ve signed for a five-point lead weeks ago

Arsene Wenger has challenged Arsenal to build on their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table after Sunday’s draw with Everton.

Wenger’s men stretched their advantage at the top after a 1-1 draw at Emirates Stadium, as Mesut Özil’s 80th-minute opener was cancelled out by Gerard Deulofeu’s strike late on in the game.

I cannot fault my defence but you just have to give credit to the offensive quality of Everton

Arsene Wenger

The Gunners now face testing clashes against Manchester City and Chelsea in the coming weeks.

And Wenger hailed his side’s “spirit and fight” after the stalemate against the Toffees, insisting there are plenty of positives about the north Londoners’ position.

“Of course we would have signed for that a few weeks ago but we are a bit disappointed,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.

“This team has a great spirit and fight in every single game. We have a good cushion so let’s prepare for the next one.

“It was a great game. Overall maybe a draw is logical but the regret I have is that we were 1-0 up and couldn’t keep a clean sheet until the end.

“It took us time to get into the game but after our desire to win and our attitude got us back into the game. But Everton is a good side as well and overall it was a good 1-1.

“They [Everton] had quality going forward. We were a bit caught on the crosses, and on the flanks – that can happen.

“I cannot fault my defence but you just have to give credit to the offensive quality of Everton.”