Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal's internal stability helped them recover quickly from their opening-day disappointment against Aston Villa.
The Frenchman saw his team succumb to a surprise 3-1 home defeat at the start of the Premier League season but since then Arsenal have been imperious, reeling off seven straight wins in all competitions - their best run since 2007.
Wenger had to absorb the loss of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie in previous summers but he kept his squad together this year while adding the likes of Mesut Ozil and Mathieu Flamini.
"It [stability within the squad] creates a big difference on the confidence level because you know we have done well before with that group, so at least you have a basis," Wenger told Arsenal Player. "The confidence that basis gives you is of course important.
"If all starts well then maybe not but where the stability was important I think is with our first shock against Aston Villa. The fact that we could say 'look guys, we have been together for a while, we know that we have bounced back before, let's do that again'. That is where the stability is important."
So what else does Wenger put Arsenal's early-season success down to? "I would say mental togetherness, desire to win, motivational level and hunger, and of course on top of that, quality," he replied.
"I believe maybe the shock of the first home defeat as well, but overall if you consider the long-term run we are on since March you can say that this group has been remarkably consistent. That shows some special quality in my opinion."
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