Arsene Wenger has called on his Arsenal side to show their “hunger” for silverware this season as they prepare to host Everton at the start of a crucial period for the Gunners.
The north Londoners head into Sunday’s clash with the Toffees at Emirates Stadium looking to keep intact their four-point lead at the top of the Premier League table after having won 11 of their opening 14 games.
We have a big week in front of us starting with Everton and we have to show we have the hunger and the quality to do it
Arsene Wenger
Wenger’s men then travel to Napoli and Manchester City before hosting Chelsea in a run of games that is sure to put the Gunners’ title credentials under the spotlight.
But the Frenchman is backing his side to underline their status as genuine contenders against the top opposition that awaits.
Wenger said: “I don’t think there is a danger [of becoming complacent] because we are hungry, we want to win, and we have just put a few results together that will make us more ambitious, but as well conscious that in every single game you need to put a top-level performance in.
“It is a continuity as well because since the beginning of 2013 we have been quite consistent in our results, but now we have a big week in front of us starting with Everton and we have to show we have the hunger and the quality to do it.”
Wenger also warned his side to expect a testing encounter against Roberto Martinez’s high-flying Everton, who head into Sunday’s game after having secured a famous 1-0 win against defending champions Manchester United at Old Trafford.
“He [Martinez] has done remarkably well because they have had some difficult games,” said Wenger. “They have played many of the big teams in the league and overall are in a very strong position.
“They have just come out of a win against Manchester United. We are lucky this season a little bit, because there is always a big warning before we play against these teams when they have exceptional results.
“That keeps us on our toes. We know it is a big game.”