WENGER `GAMBLE` IS PAYING OFF

Gilberto has branded Arsene Wenger's refusal to pay large transfer fees for star players a "big gamble".

But the Brazilian midfielder believes Arsenal are now reaping the reward of the stability created by Wenger's policy of adding selectively to the squad.

Wenger has responded to claims by former Gunners chairman David Dein that the club needs huge investment to be remain competitive by vowing to continue with his frugal approach.

After two barren seasons Wenger's belief in his young squad appears to be paying off with Sunday's 3-1 victory over Portsmouth lifting them to second in the Barclays Premier League.

The starting line-up against Pompey was assembled for less than £30million, yet at this early stage they seem genuine title contenders.

Gilberto said: "It's a big gamble when clubs spend big money for each new season but we do not spend.

"But while we haven't spent a lot of money, we have been playing together for a few years now.

"That makes a difference in the game because we all know each other - if I pass to Cesc Fabregas he knows exactly where the forwards will be. That's important.

"We must keep focused because other clubs have made some very good signings.

"Arsene has his policy of signing players and he does what he believes is right for the club.

"He spends as little as possible and that helps the club when they do need to spend money."

Wenger's belief that his young side is ready to flourish has been given credibility by their fine start to the Premier League.

They have accumulated 10 points from four matches - double their tally of the same stage last term - and Gilberto believes the familiarity of their new surroundings at the Emirates is partly responsible for the improvement.

The Brazilian midfielder said: "It's very nice to make a start like this. Last season it was completely different.

"Now we have to keep going, accumulate as many points as we can and keep going. We need to keep playing like we know we can.

"The younger players have become more experienced because of the time they have spent together.

"Last year it was very hard for us to adapt to the width of the pitch. We had a very bad start and it was difficult to recover from that.

"But that was our first year and now we look completely different. We were better near the end but we must not now allow the same thing to happen again."

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has bemoaned the international break that means most of his squad will be absent from training for the next 11 days.

He said: "The problem is I won't see my players until Friday week.

"I can't sit down with them and show them videos and discuss the goals in detail.

"Then when they come back we are concentrating on playing Liverpool.

"Am I then going to start getting into them about what they did against Arsenal?

"I have to pick them up and be positive about beating Liverpool. It's crazy. What work can you do on the training ground?

"I've got six players for the next weeks and who knows how many of the nine or 10 who are away will come back fit."

Taken from =football365=