Finishing third is progress for Arsenal, claims Wenger

image: http://talksport.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/201505/wenger_2.jpg?itok=LlmF1mWS

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes a third place Premier League finish is a stepping stone his side need to go one better next season.

The Gunners have finished in fourth spot in six in the last nine top flight campaigns, but got one over their closest rivals Manchester United with a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday.
A Tyler Blackett own goal rescued a point for the North London side and they can now secure a third place finish with a win against Sunderland on Wednesday evening, and are still within a shot of second if Manchester Citylose their final game.

But, asked whether Arsenal can challenge for the title next season, Wenger responded with a straight bat, admitting doesn’t know how strong the other teams in the Premier League will be.
“That’s difficult to say because first of all you don’t know how strong the teams will be next year," said the Frenchman.

"Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea will all be busy in the transfer market so it’s difficult to know, but for us, I believe that we have made progressin the Premier League compared to last season.

"We have been consistent against the smaller teams but also this season we have been stronger against the ‘big’ teams. It is a good platform to do better.”
A Third place finish will also make life easier over the summer, with the side on course to avoid a troublesome Champions League play-off tie.

Wenger added: “Overall, you want to be first but 17 teams want to exchange their position with you and it is a good platform to do better next season which is our aim.
“It takes the pressure off, during the holiday period and in our preparations but we still have two home games left with work to do.”