Wenger - My highlights of 2013

Arsene Wenger says securing a top-four place on the final day of last season remains one of his highlights of 2013.

The Gunners had been written off by many observers after losing the north London derby to Tottenham at the start of March.

But a sensational run of eight wins and two draws in their last 10 matches helped them seal a spot in the Champions League qualifiers.

“A high point, even though I understand people can say we over-celebrated, was when we won our last game at Newcastle because it was at some stage an impossible achievement,” Wenger said.

“For me it was [because] it maintained the club in the Champions League and to have such a consistency at that level meant it was one of the highlights of 2013.

“I [also] believe that [another] highlight has been the fact that we have been consistent and have come back into a strong position in the Premier League. After having struggled last season to fight for the championship we are back in the race and that is what we can keep from 2013.”

Arsenal claimed more points than any other team in 2013 and while Wenger is proud of that achievement, he says his side must maintain that level in the new year.

“As you know it's not a trophy but it shows the consistency and the trend for the team,” he said. “If you can manage from January 1 to December 31 to have that trend it means we are going upwards. We want to transfer that trend into 2014 and to have a great race for the Premier League title.

“In 2013, we have been relatively consistent, and that makes the belief stronger. Personally I must say, this team has a remarkable attitude and as a manager for me it is a privilege for me to manage them as a group of players on the pitch, but also off the pitch because they have a classy attitude.”