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Thursday, 9 May, 2002, 04:50 GMT 05:50 UK
Wenger hails 'shift of power'
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants his Double-winners to go on and dominate English football in the years to come.
Will Arsenal dominate? Have your say
The Gunners sealed the Premiership title in poignant style with a 1-0 win at the home of last year's champions, Manchester United. And Wenger was quick to salute his heroes after victory at Old Trafford. "We wanted tonight to be a shift of power, and to take the trophy back to Highbury," he said.
"It's just fantastic to win it here as they are the team we want to beat, the team who have dominated English football for the past three years. "Since I arrived at Arsenal, we have won the title twice and United have won it three times. "So they are 3-2 ahead and now we want to equalise next season." But Wenger expects a tougher challenge next season. "I think they will come back stronger next year," he said. " But we want to be stronger as well. "We will maybe add one or two as maybe we will lose one or two, but we want to keep the basis of our team." And, crucially, Wenger added: "I expect Patrick Vieira to be at the club next season." Anfield victory key By winning at Old Trafford, Arsenal completed the season without defeat away from home. "It's a tremendous record," Wenger reflected. "Once again tonight, we had to show great character. We were solid as a rock in the first half and they never really threatened us.
Wenger also pinpointed victory at Liverpool back in December as the key to their title triumph. "That was the turning point for us - winning there with 10 men convinced me we would win the championship." One of Arsenal's heroes over the season, Freddie Ljungberg, added: "I've been waiting for three years for this - it's a sweet moment." And veteran Gunners defender Lee Dixon concluded: "It's been an outstanding season. "It's brilliant to be a part of this squad - it's the best I've played with, with depth in every position." |
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