Arsene Wenger lauds 'mature' Arsenal, who ARE ready for Premier League title tilt 

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Arsene Wenger is adamant the mental and physical fragilities that have cost Arsenal so many times in the Premier League title race have finally been consigned to the past.

The Gunners have the opportunity to go top of the table if they beat Everton on Saturday evening, with challengers Manchester United and Manchester City meeting at Old Trafford on Sunday.

It would be the first time Arsenal have reached the summit since February 8, 2014 when a 5-1 thrashing at Liverpool started a slump that would ultimately see them finish fourth.

Arsene Wenger is certain his Arsenal team are at last equipped for a tilt at the Premier League title

Nacho Monreal is part of a back four which has found new sturdiness so far this season

But Wenger, whose team enter the Emirates encounter with confidence sky-high following Tuesday’s Champions League win over Bayern Munich, is certain they are strong enough to sustain a title charge.

He said: ‘We have maybe a better discipline. People reproached us many times: "Ok, Arsenal play football but they are a bit fragile."

‘Before, maybe, when we were not dominating completely the game, we were a bit insecure. On Tuesday night, Bayern had a lot of the ball, but we could handle that.

‘We are more mature. Two years ago, we were a long time top of the league. After, we lost one or two players, and we lost one or two big games and that was the killer for us. I feel today we are better prepared.

‘First of all there is stability. We have not had many injuries. I think we have found a better balance between attacking and defending.

‘As well, if you look at the games against Manchester United [won 3-0], Bayern [2-0] and Watford [3-0], not to concede a goal for three games, that convinces everyone that you are more solid.

‘I feel we still have some improvement to make, in our collective game, in the way we master games, in the way we dictate the game. And we have to focus on that.’

Mesut Ozil (right) celebrates with Olivier Giroud after the Frenchman scored against Bayern Munich

Alex Oclade-Chamberlain skips away from Ismael Bennacer during training on Friday

Key to Arsenal’s upturn in fortunes is playmaker Mesut Ozil and Wenger is hopeful the 27-year-old German is about to enjoy some halcyon days in his career.

He said: ‘It is the golden age of a football player, 27 to 31, 32, the age when you know your job, you realise suddenly that it is not only important to play, it is important to win as well.

‘You go into that period thinking ‘finally’. I think his talent is exceptional. Many times for a player of his calibre, you want him to add to his assists - goals.

‘He is a world class player and if he adds goals to his game, he will be even more respected.’