Wenger happy with consistency

Boss expects Hleb, Abebayor and Fabregas to stay

By Hayley Paterson   Last updated: 11th May 2008

Arsene Wenger smiles Arsenal v Everton

Wenger: Happy with season

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Arsene Wenger is happy with his side's consistent performances during this year's campaign, but is disappointed not to be lifting the Premier League title.

The Gunners picked up a final three points against Sunderland thanks to a Theo Walcott goal, finishing with 83 points in third place. However, the Frenchman would have liked to have been lifting the title this season.

"Overall I think we have been consistent, we have 83 points and 83 points has won the championship for many years but this year unfortunately not," he told Sky Sports.

"We are disappointed we did not win the championship but as well we must say it was great consistency.

"I think we are the second team, away from home for winning, and we are the second team at home, with a number of wins, so we have been consistent.

Little difference

"But we have just lacked a little bit of fraction that made the difference this year, and you could see there was very little difference between the top three teams."

Walcott caused Sunderland's defence problems during the 1-0 win and Wenger believes the England forward will have a bright future at Arsenal.

"He can be dangerous and he can make a difference. He has gone from a promising kid to a fine player who is ready to fight for a regular place in the team, what do you expect at 19 years of age? To be capable to do that at 19 years of age is a special talent," he said.

The Arsenal boss was also impressed with youngster Mark Randall who came off the bench to score - only to have his debut goal disallowed for offside.

Futures

Speculation surrounds a host of Arsenal players' futures including Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor and Alexander Hleb who are all rumoured to be joining Mathieu Flamini in leaving Emirates Stadium.

But Wenger rebuffed the rumours, adding: "As concerns as to Hleb, I expect him to stay. As for Flamini, he has left, but we have players that can replace him and they've shown that again today.

"When you get up in the morning and get a newspaper you think there's nobody at the club anymore, don't worry.

"We've had unlucky happenings with injuries and we're suffering as well because we are very ambitious. It should make them stronger for next season."