Arsenal boss Wenger scoffs: If we listened to critics we would not have started season!

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is enjoying seeing the critics eat their words this season.

Before Manchester United's victory over Liverpool yesterday, Arsenal were sitting top of the table.

"If you had listened to all of the predictions, then we should not have even bothered starting the championship," the Frenchman said.

"When we lost against Chelsea at home, and then later against Manchester United here, which I must say was in a convincing way, everybody got a little bit carried away.

"You lost against one of the main contenders so convincingly, therefore nobody takes you seriously after that.

"They do not take you seriously for a while afterwards - and some do not even now. It takes a while to convince people again."

Wenger continued: "You could not predict that Chelsea would drop the points they lost. Of course, if they had a perfect run-in, then you could not fight for the title. But it was important for us not to give up.

"We have a young team and if we want to have a future, then we have to show mental quality and not give up, no matter what happens. That is what I wanted to carry on saying to the players.

"I still believe it is important for the players not to give up and to keep going.

"I was always happy to work with the squad. They kept a great attitude in training and are always focused."