Retaining title is Wenger's passion

Wenger will be delighted if the unbeaten run continues but his true aim is to retain the Championship - a task that has already elicited a jibe from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. He said for Wenger's men to be counted among the greats, they must win back-to-back titles - something the failed to do after their Premiership wins in 1998 and 2002.

Wenger refused to rise to the bait, simply stating: "It would be fantastic to win back-to-back titles, a great achievement. That is the target now. I don't think there is one main reason why we didn't before. We have always been motivated. Don't forget we were surprise winners in 1998 and we were very, very close to winning it again the following season. But that was a time, between 1999 and 2001, that Manchester United had all their main players. They were exceptional and still they only beat us by one point that year."

The margin was considerably larger for the next two seasons - 18 points and 10 points respectively - before Arsenal won again. They failed by five points in 2003.

Wenger added: "But you musn't forget that since 1998, we have been probably the most consistent team. First or second every year and along the way we have won three FA Cups. I have to admit, though, that we want to win the league in successive years and that is one of the targets in front of us now. In the last three years, we could have done the treble of titles.

"We look at why we didn't - although two championships out if the last three is impressive."

So who will pose the most potent threat? Mega-wealthy Chelsea? Revamped-Liverpool? Highly-motivated Manchester United?

" Don't leave Newcastle out of that," Wenger said. "They have added to their squad in the summer. But I couldn't really pick one as being more dangerous than the other. It is difficult to predict - except for one thing. It is going to be very, very hard to win it."

Even without Vieira, Wenger has the squad to do it. Jose Reyes is looking worth his £ 16.5m fee while £3m Robin van Persie could prove a bargain along with the phenomenal Fabregas.

Wenger may even start with the young Spaniard at against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday after his fine display in the Community Shield. That would give Arsenal a central midfield duo of Fabregas and Silva with Pires and Ljungberg on the flanks.

The manager has to decide whether to risk Thierry Henry after the striker's recent achilles tendon problems but Sol Campbell is definitely out with a similar injury.

Wenger added: "It is not ideal to have these problems ahead of the first game. But it is the kind of thing that could happen at any stage during the season so we have to learn to cope with it." Everton are without Wayne Rooney, who has not recovered from a foot injury but new signing Marcus Bent will start. Tim Cahill is away on Olympic duty with Australia.

Meanwhile, David Dein has stepped down as vice-chairman of the Football Association.

The move comes a week after Dave Richards, the Premier League chairman, and Roger Burnden, representing the amateur game, were appointed to assist FA chairman Geoff Thompson.

The Arsenal vice-chairman will remain on the FA board, the international committee and the professional game board.