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Wenger celebrates Arsenal milestone

Although Arsenal have not won the Champions League during his reign, or any silverware for the last four seasons, they are never far from the major honours and are sure to be heavily involved in the trophy hunt again this season.

After losing two successive Premier League matches at Manchester United and Manchester City, Arsenal have won five games since and should be too strong for Blackburn Rovers when they visit the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger said this week Arsenal took a huge gamble in appointing him 13 years ago, when the London Evening Standard newspaper famously greeted his arrival with the headline; "Arsene Who?"

Arsenal have won the Premier League title twice since and another FA Cup and League double in 2002 while their "Invincible" team were unbeaten in the league in 2003-04.

"When you work abroad it is never easy because, frankly, they do not need you. It is difficult to put into context today because now every foreign manager arrives on a red carpet. It was not like that when I arrived.

"They (Arsenal) needed to be, maybe not crazy, but certainly brave. However I believe I was lucky to find the support I found at Arsenal and that is always important for success."

He added: "I also believe we have the potential here for more success. We have a young team and they have a hunger and great spirit to do well."