Wenger asks his young Arsenal guns to grow up to show their strength

London, Nov 28 (ANI): Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has asked his younger players to grow up in order to show their strength.

"We cannot be considered a young team any more. We have to show we have grown up. here comes a period for every team when they have to show their strengths. For us, this moment has arrived," Wenger said.

"Chelsea will be one of our biggest tests and we have to prove we are ready, focused and confident. We have to win all our home games against the title fighters. If we do that, we can put ourselves in a very strong position," The Sun quoted him, as saying.

Wenger is haunted by memories of last season's 4-1 home defeat to Chelsea.

"That result hurt us very much and was difficult to swallow. It was the nightmare week of last season," he said.

Arsenal will be without injured Robin van Persie, Abou Diaby, Gael Clichy, Nicklas Bendtner and Kieran Gibbs. But Wenger insisted: "I still believe we're strong enough to beat Chelsea. They were quite lucky to beat Man United and I expect us to be stronger."

Wenger has accused the Blues of using a legal loophole to allow New Year signings. (ANI)