The secret of Wenger's success

By Mandeep Sanghera BBC Sport Online

Wenger does not stray too far from Arsenal

Attention to detail is one of Arsene Wenger's main attributes.

He watches Arsenal's matches over and over again in an attempt to glean new information about his formidable team.

In fact, he admitted he had already watched the Gunners' near faultless 4-1 win over Leeds United "two or three times".

But Wenger will not be watching to purr over the irresistible football lesson his players dished out to the Yorskhire club.

Instead, the Frenchman will be dissecting the performance and noting areas where his side can improve.

"You have a different perspective [watching the game afterwards] and there is less emotion," Wenger said.

Vieira set to stick with Gunners

It is a measure of the Arsenal manager's dedication in his search to replicate the type of Total Football made famous by the Dutch and, in particular, Ajax at club football level during the 1970s.

"We are playing great football, total football. The danger comes from everywhere and the players change their positions," he added.

And Wenger leaves no stone unturned in his quest, devoting every minute possible towards his cause.

We were careful when we bought the players

Arsene Wenger

"I don't have any hobbies apart from my family. I stay at home. I know only Totteridge [where he lives], London Colney [Arsenal's training ground] and Highbury," he explained.

"That's why when people ask me do you know London? I say where is London? I don't know.

"I believe in England you cannot do it any different because the games come so quickly."

Wenger took over at Highbury in September 1996.

He recalls: "My target was there but, of course, you need a bit of luck when you buy the players.

"The success we have now is down to the spirit we have in the squad and at the club - and not only to the individual quality of the players - because we were careful when we bought the players."

Brazilian World Cup winner Gilberto Siva and French central defender Pascal Cygan arrived in the summer and have fitted in effortlessly at Highbury.

What is very pleasing for me is that this team improves and improves

Arsene Wenger

Now, since winning the Double last season, there is a determination about Wenger and his team to maintain their success and dominate like the Manchester United and Liverpool sides of the past.

It is also easy to see, looking back to pre-season, why Wenger seemed so relaxed as he gleaned confidence from the attitude and quality his players were showing.

Records have tumbled in Arsenal's wake so far this season and the Total Football Wenger is striving for is becoming more of a reality every time his team take to the pitch.

Record-breaking Arsenal

He added: "What is very pleasing for me is that this team improves and improves.

"We respect the game and in what you have seen, I believe the team has taken a step forward.

"When we were one and two up, instead of holding on for that result, we try and score the third goal."

Sign up to receive daily e-mail club news