Ambition key to Arsenal´s strength: Wenger

Arsene Wenger believes the ambition of his players will be clear to see when Arsenal tackle Manchester United on Monday.

Arsenal enter the showdown with long-term rivals United as joint league leaders and they can move three points clear if they come away from Old Trafford with a win.

The north London side are without a trophy in their last five years and have struggled on the biggest stage against United in recent seasons, but Wenger believes his squad’s desire will manifest itself on the pitch in Monday’s blockbuster.

“I know that my team will be really up for it, and I always have great belief in my players,” Wenger said.

“I know how hungry they are for success and am sure that will come out in the game.”

“It is in front of us now, we have an opportunity to show how good we are – that is what you want in life.”

A war of words has threatened to erupt between the clubs in the build-up to their meeting.

United captain Patrice Evra has mocked Arsenal’s silverware drought, while Arsenal midfielder Sami Nasri claims teams are no longer scared of the Manchester club.

Wenger, however, has chosen to rise above the bickering.

“Let’s go without any preconceived ideas, not (thinking) about any weakness of Manchester United, nor about any weakness from us,” he said.

“Let’s focus on the day, to give your best, play with belief, play for each other and we have a good chance to beat anybody.”

Wenger has also dismissed suggestions of a decline in the standards of the Premier League this season.

“I don’t agree with the people who say that the overall quality of the league is lower this season. In fact, you can say exactly the reverse,” he said.

“The whole Premier League is more difficult for everybody and what you call mid-table teams and bottom-table teams have improved – every single game today is a cup game for everybody.”

“We are top of the table at the moment, and at the start of the season if you had said we would lose four of our first 16 games, I would not have thought we would be top, that is for sure.”

“We have not had many draws, and have won five games away. The positive thing is that if we manage to add home consistency to our away form, we will be very dangerous.”