Published: 27 September, 2012
IN THE GROVE with STEVE BARNETT

ARSENE Wenger says Arsenal have the “feel good factor” after their strong start to the season.

The Gunners are now unbeaten in five Premier League matches after netting a highly-creditable 1-1 draw at Man City on Sunday. Joleon Lescott gave the champions a scarcely deserved lead just before half time, but with just minutes left Laurent Koscielny scored a well-earned equaliser.

Up next is the visit of Chelsea on Saturday, and Wenger is hoping to see more of the same against more tough opposition.

“The feel good factor is there, especially about the quality of our game and the attitude of the team,” he told Arsenal Player. “The draw on Sunday should strengthen even more our resolve to do well in the league. We have a big part to play. There is some frustration with Sunday’s match because we didn’t take our chances.

“We have a great need to take our chances in the big games. Also, the goal we gave away was quite soft. But I must say the global impression is still very positive.

“We’ve been to three difficult places – Stoke, Liverpool and Man City – and we’ve come away from it unbeaten with convincing performances.”

Mikel Arteta echoed Wenger’s views. “We have been to three of the toughest places you can go and I think that we deserved to win all three of them,” he said.