Wenger: kids must do better this time

Arsenal have been tipped to surrender their top-four place, especially after losing inspirational skipper Thierry Henry and midfielder Freddie Ljungberg.

Scroll down to read more:

Smiles better: Arsene Wenger wants the kids to step up to the plate

But Wenger is adamant his youngsters can erase memories of last year when their title challenge floundered just three months into the season.

He said: "An acceptable season for Arsenal is to fight for the championship. Last year, at the end of October and beginning of November when we were 16 points off the leader, that wasn't acceptable for us.

"For us to be fighting in March is better. To be out of the championship in October is not acceptable.

"Last year we showed in spells —in the Carling Cup — what we could do. But the Carling Cup is not a major trophy. The major trophies are the championship and the Champions League."

Wenger also confirmed that Henry's replacement Eduardo da Silva has had his initial work permit turned down by the Home Office. But the Arsenal manager can forsee no problems with the appeal for the Brazilian-born, Croatia striker.

Wenger added: "We have a hearing, an appeal on August 2 for his work permit. Should all go well, he'll be able to play. He has 50 per cent national team games for Croatia. He's played every game in the last year. We are very optimistic."

Henry, meanwhile, is backing Arsenal to regain the Premiership title. Barcelona's new £16 million man delivered a mild rebuke to Ljungberg — who has joined West Ham — for claiming Arsenal lack ambition.

He said: "Everyone says it's a young team but that team reached the Champions League Final not so long ago.

"I know other teams have big squads but that doesn't always mean the most.

"It's all about the atmosphere in the dressing room. I know for a fact that it's great at Arsenal."