Wenger clings to Arsenal's faint title hope

SOUTHAMPTON, United Kingdom (AFP) - Arsene Wenger feels Arsenal's Premier League title hopes are still alive after a recent revival, but says they have little margin for error if they are to sustain their challenge.

The Gunners' campaign has been reignited by a run of four successive league wins and they travel to Southampton on New Year's Day hoping to break back into the top four.

They will head into the game at St Mary's Stadium three points behind their north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who lie fourth, and backed by the momentum generated by Saturday's thrilling 7-3 victory over Newcastle United.

Wenger had refused to rule out his side's hopes of forcing their way back into the title race even when Arsenal's season was in danger of falling apart and pressure was growing on the manager's position. However, a daunting gap of 16 points still exists between Arsenal and leaders Manchester United, who have also played a game more, and Wenger believes his side must maintain recent standards if they are to close the deficit.