Germany finished third at the 2006 World Cup and second at the 2002 World Cup, making it the first team to collect three straight top-four finishes at the World Cup without winning any of them.

We do have more experience of winning the title but that does not make such a difference, given the kind of competition we are entering into.

Just imagine if we can start winning away - we could win the league by 15 points.

Arsenal were top of the Premier League just 12 days ago after completing a quick-fire double over Bolton and, inevitably, their title prospects have now been written off in some quarters.

"We understand how much the fans have suffered through our not winning trophies for a few years, but we will make sure this changes," he said.