Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has expressed his belief that his side are now capable of competing with the top clubs once again.

The Gunners have not picked up any silverware since the FA Cup in 2005 and have regularly found themselves behind the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City in the Premier League title race since then.

"I have the energy, believe me, and the excitement, but I want to do well. I do not stay here because I have been here a long time, but because I feel I respond to the expectation of our fans and of the people of the club, it is as simple as that," Wenger is quoted as saying by PA.

"People want us to win the championship, people want us to win trophies, and that is what I want to do. I accepted to stay here a long time knowing that we had little chance to win the Premiership, but I think now we are in a position again where we can fight with other clubs to sign big players."

Wenger will take charge of his 999th match in tomorrow's North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.