Published: 18 October, 2012
IN THE GROVE with STEVE BARNETT

GOALKEEPER Vito Mannone is looking beyond just picking up three points away at Norwich on Saturday.

The Italian shot-stopper, who has been enjoying a run in the starting XI because of an injury to Wojciech Szczesny, is convinced Arsenal will challenge strongly for the title this season.

Mannone has taken heart from the past two months of Premier League football and expects Arsenal to be there or thereabouts next May.

“I am pleased with our start to the season,” he told Arsenal Player. “The team is doing great, we have had many big games already. It’s not easy because every game in the Premier League is a big game for this club, so you need to have the right standard and you need to prove to everybody what you’ve got.

“We had a few good wins and a few draws away, and not many other teams will get draws at Man City or a win at West Ham. It is not easy to win at Liverpool, as well.

“We have a good solid squad and I think we can go for it,” he added. “If we keep our focus… it’s not a doubt that we are going to challenge for the title.

“This is a club that is made for victories, it’s not a club that just wants to do well and get the third or fourth place. This club wants to win trophies and I wish that I can give my help for this team to do it.”