"The fact that Chelsea and Manchester United bought so many players in the summer pushed us to think that if we want to be up there we would really have to go for it.
"Maybe that is why we are still there. It has bonded the players. I knew we could be in there but we did not know what the mental impact of them buying and us not buying would be."
But Wenger still remains cautious-Last season, he was interpretedas saying his team could go a whole season unbeaten, only for them to come unstuck six times in the league and finish second.
The Frenchman is choosing his words more carefully this time. "I don't know how long our run can last," he said.
"We are happy with where we are because at the start of the season we were not calculated as one of the teams who could try for the championship. But we have been remarkably consistent. It is a surprise that we are unbeaten and still not top. That tells you that every point you drop can punish you."
Against Wolves, they will be without Dennis Bergkamp, who has a calf injury, and the suspended Ashley Cole. But Lauren is available again and Sylvain Wiltord should recover from an ankle problem in time.
Wolves will be without Nathan Blake (calf) and Denis Irwin ( hamstring) is doubtful.
