Arsene Wenger insists his managerial skills remain as sharp as they were during the Invincibles’ season, despite the grumbles of Arsenal fans unhappy with their team’s diffident start to this year’s campaign.

But ahead of tonight’s trip to face Everton at Goodison Park he has urged fans to be realistic about his side’s capabilities.

“Last season we finished third,” he said. “Honestly I don’t think there was much more in that team than third. Like when we won the Premier League with zero defeats . . . I want to stand in front of my mirror and think, ‘have I done all I can?’ That’s all.”

Everton sit a point and a place ahead of Arsenal.

Arsenal’s new £150 million sponsorship deal with Emirates has provided optimism that Wenger will spend in the January transfer window. “We are going towards a period where we will be able to compete again financially,” he said.

There is no fresh news over a deal with Theo Walcott. Guardian Service