Arsene Wenger says his side can compete with Chelsea

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says that there is "not a lot" between his side and champions-elect Chelsea.

The two sides played out a goalless draw at the Emirates on Sunday, after which Arsene Wenger admitted the Blues will win the Premier League title.

Arsenal have been on an excellent run of form over the second half of the season, but remain 10 points behind their London rivals, who will win the title on Sunday, should they win at Leicester on Wednesday and beat Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Gunners legend Thierry Henry said on Sky Sports that his former side needed to "buy four players" in the summer to improve the "spine" of the team.

But Wenger believes his club have closed the gap and will be able to go toe-to-toe with the Blues next year.

"Overall the team were at their top level again and we are a bit frustrated because we always score here (at the Emirates Stadium). Not to score means you go home and think, 'What happened?'," Wenger told Arsenal Player.

"Do we put that down to the quality of Chelsea's defending? Do we put that down to the fact that we lacked a bit of sharpness in the final third? Maybe both.

"You could see that (there is) not a lot (between the teams).

"We missed the first part of the season - after six games we had one win and Chelsea were already five or six points in front, that played a big part in the run-in."

Arsenal currently sit in third place behind Manchester City, but have a game in hand on the soon-to-be ex-champions.

The Gunners do not play again until the trip to Hull on Bank Holiday Monday, with defender Per Mertesacker believing that they must not lose focus between now and the end of the campaign, which will finish with the FA Cup final against Villa at Wembley on May 30.

"We need to keep going, there is no room to sit back now, we need to fight until the end," the German defender said.

"We have an extended week (after the season) with the FA Cup final so we need to stay sharp.

"We are on a good unbeaten run, so let's keep going like that, then we will finish really strong."

With Arsenal's injury crisis easing, Wenger was able to select a strong bench against Chelsea, which included the likes of England trio Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere.

Captain Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, is targeting a return to action for the final couple of matches having been out since the end of November following a calf injury and then an ankle problem.

"I need to train more with the team, get my confidence and build it up," he said.

"My aim now is to train with the team for another week or two and then be able to say to the boss 'okay, I'm ready now if you want to pick me."'

Arteta, who is out of contract in the summer, added in his programme notes: "It has been a frustrating time for me, but I would love to be able to finish the season by lifting a trophy, of course."