Wenger: Arsenal cannot afford to let standards drop

Arsene Wenger has warned his Arsenal side that they must look to string together a series of positive results if they are to end their long wait for the Premier League title.

The Gunners have not lifted the top-flight trophy since their unbeaten triumph in 2003-04 but can move back to the top of the table if they win at Newcastle on Sunday.

What we want to do is to fight for the title and, at the moment, we are in the race

Arsene Wenger

And Wenger, whose side have won one of their last four games, knows that consistency will be the key to the title this season.

“We are in the race and we want to stay in it. We won at West Ham and now we must go game-by-game with a big ambition,” said Wenger.

“But we know that, in this Premier League, you always have to set high standards. As soon as you drop a fraction, you’re in trouble.

“What we want to do is to fight for the title and, at the moment, we are in the race. What can keep us there is consistency.

“Until now, we have done that. But you are always judged on your last result. We have had just some games which were very difficult – Everton at home, Napoli in Naples, at Man City and then against Chelsea.

“So you know that you can drop some points there but the most important thing is to come back and be consistent. That’s what is at stake for us.”