Wenger wants Arsenal to seize golden opportunity

Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal have a golden opportunity to underline their title credentials as they bid to go top of the Premier League with a two-goal victory over Bolton tonight.

Wenger's side defeated Bolton 2-0 at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday and a repeat of that result in north London would be enough to send the Gunners above Chelsea and Manchester United into first place.

After being widely written off as also-rans in November when Chelsea's 3-0 win at the Emirates Stadium left Arsenal 11 points behind the leaders, there has been a significant change in fortunes for Wenger's men.

While Chelsea and United have squandered points in matches they were expected to win, Arsenal have been able to put together an impressive run and Wenger knows it is essential not to waste the chance to grab that coveted first place.

"It is important psychologically, not mathematically so much," Wenger said.

"We have a good opportunity to do it so we have to focus."

Even if Arsenal do go top of the table, Chelsea will have a game in hand on their London rivals, so there is no chance of Wenger getting carried away. But the French coach is convinced his young team are capable of lasting the distance in the title race as long as captain Cesc Fabregas remains fit and in form.

Games against title rivals Chelsea and United are looming on the horizon for Arsenal, so Wenger is well aware of the importance of keeping Fabregas on his game.

"He looks like a real general in midfield now and, of course, that helps as we go into a period of important games," Wenger said.

Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano believes Liverpool can still secure a place in next season's Champions League despite accepting they deserve all the criticism that has come their way.

Even though Liverpool have failed to win seven times in their last 11 Premier League matches, Rafael Benitez's under-performing team will move to within one point of fourth place if they defeat Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield tonight.

"The situation is enough to get anyone down, but this team is going to keep going forward because of the spirit and history of the club," said Mascherano.