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Arsene Wenger claims Arsenal will gain a psychological advantage if they go top of the table with victory over Bolton tonight but warns there is a long way to go in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners must win by two goals at Emirates Stadium to return to the summit for the first time since August.
It would cap a remarkable transformation since seeming all but out of the title race following November's 3-0 home defeat by Chelsea and Wenger believes his side's recent run- six wins from eight League matches - has forced their rivals to treat Arsenal as genuine contenders.
"Going top is a good target," said the Frenchman. "But let's first focus on winning the game - that is the most important thing. We are there to win and we want to win the game.
"Our fans will be certainly behind us and at home that puts us in an even stronger position because our fans can help us win matches.
"At the moment, going top has a mathematical meaning but not too much. It has a psychological meaning because it shows we are there to fight at the top of the table but mathematically it has not much significance because there is a long way to go.
"The only step we have definitely made is that everybody wrote us off and we are back in it.
"We have won nothing yet but we have won some credibility. However, that is not enough. We want more, at least we are in a position to fight for it and have a go.
"I have confidence that my team will give everything. I trust their hunger, their appetite and their spirit, knowing of course that there is a long way to go."
Denilson and Theo Walcott are set to be involved after returning from injury but Fran Merida, Aaron Ramsey and Samir Nasri are all out.
Sol Campbell will have to wait to make his first-team comeback, with Wenger pencilling in Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round trip to Stoke as a possible return for the defender.
"Sol is still a bit short for Bolton," said Wenger. "I want him to have another good week of training. Maybe he will be involved in the end of the week."
After tonight's second meeting with Bolton in four days, the Gunners face Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in the next three weeks.
And Wenger admits his attention is turning away from the transfer window as he focuses on securing a clean bill of health for his squad.
He said: "We are not close to signing anybody. With so many players out, anyone we can get back is like a transfer."
Reader views (6)
Calm down calm down Paul of Ealing. lol Obviously the prospect that an injury-plagued Arsenal might go top of the Premiership rankles with you. Tough, deal with it.
- Sean, Cork, Ireland, 20/01/2010 17:23
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In 'Arsene we Trust' blimey you couldn't get more scouse if you tried - what is it with Woolwich Arsenal fans copying everything from other supporters particulary Liverpool
Plastic fans in a plastic stadium - I take it that the 'tickets sold' stat will be pumped out tonight as 60,000 where we all know there will be empty seats all around the emirates which will be the reall 'attendance'
- Paul, Ealing, 20/01/2010 16:58
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Arsenal going along nicely,few tough games coming up but the team spirit is good,and if Arsenal beat Bolton tonight it just raises that spirit even higher,with Song returning soon we will only get stronger,still a long way to go but Arsenal have the look of a team that will be right up at the top come May.
- Jim Ex Pat,Islington N1, thailand, 20/01/2010 16:52
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"The warning will read....Win your game in hand & demote us back to our 3rd spot.
Yes i can see that has a psychological edge to it."
Jamie, essex
Of the current top three only Chavski would have a game in hand on Arsenal if we manage to go top tonight, so we could drop no further than second place once everyone's even!
Know your facts before you start mouthing off in future.
And playing catch-up does have a huge psychological effect, as well we know having had to chase United and Chelski the last few seasons.
- Steven, London, 20/01/2010 16:33
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Good Luck Gunners tonight. Its incredible what the Arsenal have done recently considering all the injuries they have had to endure...again. In Arsene we Trust.
- Sean, Cork, Ireland, 20/01/2010 15:53
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The warning will read....Win your game in hand & demote us back to our 3rd spot.
Yes i can see that has a psychological edge to it.
- Jamie, essex, 20/01/2010 15:48
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