[theo kawala]

Arsene Wenger has thrown down the gauntlet to champions Chelski and backed his rejuvenated Arsenal side to win the Premiership this season.


Following a dismal start to the campaign, the Gunners have won their last five matches, including an epic 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.


Bouyed by the transformation, a defiant Wenger believes that his young side can stop Chelski winning the title for the third successive season despite the gulf in finances between the two clubs.


"It's satisfying to think that Chelsea are not the only ones who can be successful, even with money," he told French newspaper L'Equipe. "Chelsea can be beaten this year in England. I'm profoundly convinced of that. And I believe we can beat them."


Reflecting on his ten years in charge of the north London club, Wenger declared that turning 'boring, boring Arsenal' into one of the most stylish teams in Europe was his most significant achievement.


"That's what I'm the most proud of. Frankly, I'm satisfied in a way, as well as surprised, when I'm travelling abroad and people tell me 'We like Arsenal because they play nice football.'


"That was one of the goals, to bring a bit of the French culture, to make the English game more technical, to force England to look at the game differently."


Not that Wenger views himself as an Englishman despite living in the capital since 1996.


"I'm French," he vowed. "I have not become an Englishman. I have the impression of living on an island called Arsenal. If you fancy a sightseeing tour of London, don't ask me. You would get lost."