Wenger wants strong finish to send a message to title rivals

KINGSTON UPON HULL: Arsene Wenger is targeting a strong finish to the campaign to boost Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge next season.
Wenger’s side travel to face Hull on Monday aiming to strengthen their bid to claim the runners-up spot behind champions-elect Chelsea.
Last weekend’s goalless draw against Jose Mourinho’s side at the Emirates Stadium effectively drew a line under any remaining hopes Arsenal of catching the league leaders.
Following fourth placed Manchester United’s defeat on Saturday, Arsenal, unbeaten in their last nine league games, will take another step towards a top three finish if they win at the KC Stadium.
And having pin-pointed his side’s slow start as the reason they were unable to mount a more sustained challenge at the head of the table, Gunners boss Wenger is determined things will be different next time around.
“That’s our challenge, to finish well and take that strength into the next season,” Wenger said.
“The start of the season is linked with belief as well. We can just strengthen the belief by finishing well.
“Manchester City had ups and downs and started stronger than us, so they were a long time in front of us.
“Manchester United are a bit like Arsenal, they had a slow start and became stronger in the second part of the season.
“I think our slow start was down to post-World Cup problems and to the fact as well that we had to play the qualifiers for the Champions League.”