"Overall this team has made a huge improvement compared to last year. We were always in the race for the championship until the last three games," the Arsenal manager said.

"We have combined quality with efficiency, but lacked a bit of experience to make the final step."

Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: "We have to realise we were very close to winning both [Premier League and Champions League] and that we have to come back to get that little bit extra which makes us winners of both competitions.

"We have made a tremendous improvement and want to develop - the average age of our team is very young and we can only be better if we have the right spirit next year.

"The team gained a lot of experience with our disappointments. Suffering makes you more mature and that is why I think at the start of next season you will see a team which is much more mature in its behaviour.

"If we can add a bit more experience and talent, that is even better."