Arsene Wenger has dismissed talk of his side launching a title bid as he wants his side to continue being 'humble and progressive'.
Gunners boss wants side to focus on maintaining momentum
Arsene Wenger has dismissed talk of his side launching a title bid and instead he wants his side to continue being "humble and progressive" as they rebuild their season.
The Gunners started the season poorly and were humiliated at Old Trafford when Manchester United thrashed them 8-2.
Wenger brought in new faces following the defeat and since then Arsenal have responded well. They have won five of their last seven league games, including defeating Chelsea 5-3 at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
Ahead of Saturday's clash with West Brom, Wenger said: "It is too early to say (we can get back in the title race). If we win a few more games, why not?
"But at the moment, I don't think we are far along enough to say that.
"We are only three points behind Chelsea but we need a strong period and Man City needs a weaker period, which they are not having.
Top four
"I think at the moment it is too far to say we are playing for the championship but we are back in a position where we can aspire to be in the top four and we weren't four weeks ago.
"Mathematically we are not out of it but we are 12 points behind Man City and it is too much.
"For us, let's be humble and progressive."
Wenger believes league leaders Manchester City are the team to beat this season but remains unsure if they have the mentality to sustain a title bid.
He added: "I don't really know (what to think of them). They have had some impressive away results, especially at Tottenham and Man United, but we have to see.
Potential
"The potential is there but we will see over a longer period. If they are still with that (points) difference in December then we can say it will be difficult to catch them.
"There is no team with no vulnerability in our league nor any other league in Europe.
"They have quality, they scores goals, they can be efficient so at the moment you have to say they are the ones to catch at the moment."
The Gunners boss was quick to dismiss any similarities between Barcelona and City however.
He said: "The minimum you can say it is a bit early. Barcelona have two European Cups in three years, have won the championship and beaten everybody.
"Man City will aspire to be that but, at the moment, they are still some way from doing that."
