Wenger confident on European bid

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is confident his team can clinch the Champions League crown for the first time as they prepare to play CSKA Moscow.

"We can do it this year," said Wenger, whose team lost to Barcelona in the Champions League final last season.

"I've said that since the start of the season. We've shown, and this is most important, that we can believe we can do it through our results.

What we need now is the consistency," added Wenger.

The Arsenal manager praised the way his new signings had started the season.

"I believe that first of all you need the new players to integrate into the team.

"Frankly I considered at the start of the season that we would see the real impact of a guy like Emmanuel Adebayor this year. He has made a big improvement.

"Tomas Rosicky has settled in quickly and he is a very impressive player, William Gallas of course brings something special to the team.

"The challenge of course is massive - but the quality is there."

Despite his confidence, Wenger warned his side to expect a tough test against CSKA Moscow.

"They are a good side," said Wenger. "They've some good Brazilians and also seven players from the Russian national team, which is a solid combination.

"While I feel we can beat them, you always have ingredients in Moscow during October that you cannot master.

"I've heard the quality of their pitch has been destroyed by a tournament, and it is already cold there now."

Having won their opening two games Arsenal top Group G and are two points ahead of CSKA.

Wenger added: "A victory would nearly qualify us, so of course we will really go for it.

"We want to qualify as soon as possible, because it is always a relief. You can go into the winter and focus on what is coming next."

From : BBC Sports