Arsene Wenger does not believe Arsenal can be considered title challengers unless they close to within six points of Manchester City.
Gunners boss says team are on the outside looking in
Arsene Wenger does not believe Arsenal can be considered title challengers unless they close to within six points of Manchester City.
The Gunners kept pace with the Premier League leaders with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Wednesday while City brushed aside Stoke.
On the back of Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Etihad Stadium, Arsenal are 12 points behind Roberto Mancini's team with 17 matches played.
The French tactician knows that as things stand they are not in with a shout unless they can move to within two wins of City.
Contenders
"We are out of the title race as things stand because we are very far away from Manchester City," commented Wenger.
"It was important to get back on track at Villa, a place which is always difficult to go to, but it is too early to say we are back in the title race.
"But then we've just had two difficult away games in succession while City have had two home matches they've won."
Wenger added: "If we can get back to within six points of City, then you can start to speak about being title contenders.
"As things stand, we are still in a good race for the top four."
Character
Wenger believes Villa were unfortunate to suffer their second home defeat in four days but again praised his players' character.
He said: "A draw would maybe have been fair but we kept going and took our chance when we had an opportunity.
"Villa showed outstanding commitment and quality and they are a good side when they play with that sort of attitude.
"When they are like that, they can beat anyone and we had to be resilient to win the game. Our formidable spirit got us through."
