Wenger - It would be 'criminal' not to build on this season

Arsène Wenger argues it would be "criminal" if his Arsenal side did not kick on from this season

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The Gunners ended their 2007/08 campaign with a 1-0 win at Sunderland on Sunday.

They finished one place and 15 points better off than 12 months ago yet, considering their flying start, the failure to land a major trophy can only be seen as a disappointment. But, according to the manager, it is hardly "the implosion" that has been portrayed.

Indeed, the Frenchman believes his side will come back older, wiser and better next season. His main aim will be to exploit the advances of this campaign to the maximum.

“I think the big core of the team is ready to come back and fight," said the manager. "I think all of them are determined to come back and win.

“I feel they have created something special and not to take advantage of that would be criminal for me.

"At the moment the vibes coming out of the club is like we are going to implode but it is not like that at all.

“It is very stable and we are in a very good financial situation, we have a good team and good players. You have to let people talk then come back and win. I will be a busy man [this summer] but I am not worried.

“Like every big disappointment you have in life, you go through a period where you have to swallow, digest it and think where do I go from here?"