Fully focused Wenger admits Gunners 'must win something'

In four years, Manchester United and Chelsea have spent big as they tried to land an even bigger prize, the Champions League.

That has to hurt.

Arsene Wenger is desperate to lead his side to Premier League glory

Last year the Gunners lost their nerve, booting advertising hoardings at St Andrews when they conceded a last minute penalty and allowing Didier Drogba to turn the title race at Stamford Bridge.

They blew it. Big time.

‘Every season is a season when we have to win something,’ claimed manager Arsene Wenger.

‘If I went into a season and thought “If we don’t win anything, they will all leave” then it is all over.

‘Had we got 70 points last season and won the Carling Cup, people would not have said it is satisfying.

‘For me, the important thing at a big club is to fight for the championship and the Champions League.’

They did that last season, falling away spectacularly at the final hurdle.

The glory, glory night in the San Siro, when Arsenal delivered a perfectly executed performance to secure their passage into the quarter final, should have been the shot in the arm to see it through on both fronts.

Instead, they fell apart. Jens Lehmann, Gilberto, Alexander Hleb and Mathieu Flamini could not leave quick enough and the antics of Emmanuel Adebayor have left a sour taste.

Incoming traffic includes Aaron Ramsey, who made his debut against FC Twente on Wednesday, and the svelte touches of Samir Nasri.

Nasri will make his debut against West Brom, at The Emirates, adding the familiar blend of subtle touches and close control that are the essential ingredients of the complete Arsenal player.

New signing Samir Nasri joined from Marseille in a £10.5m deal

He arrived from Marseille for £10.5million, but what of the £30m blockbusters the Arsenal supporters are suddenly demanding?

‘Big signings reassure the supporters but performances are better,’ added Wenger.

‘If there was a player for £30m and it meant we would win the title, I would do it.

‘When we speak about a £30m striker, I have Robin van Persie, Adebayor, Nicklas Bendtner and Eduardo.

'We already have the quality. We have gone with a different policy to other clubs and that’s why I’m convinced we have opted for stability with young players.’

One of them, Cesc Fabregas will be missing with a hamstring injury against Tony Mowbray’s newly promoted side, but Arsenal have enough in reserve.

They will continue to be easy on the eye and passing teams off the park.

One change is The FA’s RESPECT initiative, which has raised Wenger’s eyebrows.

The season is unlikely to pass without Wenger being sent to the stands, the Frenchman being one of the league’s serial offenders, berating fourth officials.

He is not alone.

‘When you go to church, the priest says everyone has to be respectful and generous, but when you come out of the church everyone is not generous and respectful.

'It is always nice in pre-season but when it comes to points it is different.’

A different Arsenal then? More like same old Arsenal.