Wenger: Don't get carried away

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The 2-1 win over Tottenham gives Arsenal 43 points - one ahead of Manchester United - and Wenger knows hanging on to the leadership will seriously test his side's resolve.

"Being top now is no insurance," said Wenger. "In the last two seasons only one team was involved at this stage - either Manchester United or Chelsea. This year there are more in the picture so it's impossible to say how things will turn out." In Wenger's three previous winning seasons, Arsenal had fewer points after 18 matches than they do today.

In fact, in his first Championship season, 1997-98, they slumped to sixth in the table with just 30 points after losing 3-1 at home to Blackburn Rovers in their 18th match.

Although the manager conceded his team were fortunate to take three points against Spurs, he said: "We're in a very strong position with 20 games still to play and I'm convinced we're good enough to win it."

The fact they won on Saturday was thanks in part to Manuel Almunia, who saved Robbie Keane's penalty with the score at 1-1.

The Spanish goalkeeper has never been capped by his country and will be eligible to play for England in 18 months as he will have been living here for five years and can apply for British Citizenship.

Wenger believes England should do everything they can to make sure Almunia is their No1 in 2009.

He said: "I don't know why he hasn't been called up by Spain but all I would only say is that England should take advantage of it and call him up."

Almunia would certainly consider an approach from Fabio Capello.

The goalkeeper said: "I would be interested in England if Spain don't want me. I would study my situation and I would be very pleased to take a decision that would make me happy and my family happy."

Arsenal's other hero on Saturday was Nicklas Bendtner, who came off the substitutes' bench to head the winner from a corner.

Despite not being a first choice, the 19-year-old has no intention of going on loan next month.

"Moving is not what I want," he said. "I'm staying here no matter what happens."