The Gunners have not won anything since the 2005 FA Cup triumph against Manchester United, by far the longest barren spell since the Frenchman arrived at the club in 1996.

Wenger, whose side face Aston Villa at home on Sunday, insists his target for this season remains the Barclays Premier League title but insists there is no shame in the fact his side have not lifted a major honour for so long.

"The last four years have been the most challenging," he said.

"It's not linked with the fact we have won no trophies. I think it is moving into the new stadium and keeping the team at the top.

"For me the best period at the club is the last four years but unfortunately it is also the period where we have not won trophies.

"But people forget we have been reasonably consistent and it has been the most difficult period, but as well for me, the period where I worked the best.

"Moving into a new stadium, with less resources, [people should] respect the fact we have still made some money in every single year without the team dropping a level and maintaining a successful period in the Champions League and reasonably in the league. I think it was quite difficult."

Asked what differences sees in the Premier League during his 13 years in England, Wenger told an arsenal.com webchat there have been both positive and negative changes.

"It has become a worldwide product and when I travel nowadays I see how popular this league has become and we shouldn't take it for granted in England," he said.

"Firstly it's a worldwide product, secondly the ownership has changed completely, the structure of the game has changed. And don't forget, for example, referees have become completely professional.

"The league has become much more professional, the pressure has become much bigger, financial input has become much bigger which means the quality of the games has become much better.

"All that has changed. In some ways for good, and some ways a bit more negatively because it's less relaxed. Everybody is a bit more tense.

"I felt 13 years ago a defeat was less dramatic than it is now, it's much more dramatic and tense.

"It is because of money and it is all about the Champions League now, being in the top four. A few years ago it was a bit more open and as soon as you are a bit out from what is expected of you now, it is a crisis."

Villa arrive at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday a place behind Arsenal in fourth, level on points but conceding a game in hand to the Gunners.

And Wenger admits the clash represents an opportunity for his men.

"It is a game where, if you look at the table, you will come to a conclusion very easily," he declared.

"It is a game where we can strengthen our position in the league, so that's why we will be completely focused."

Wenger will be waiting on the fitness of captain Cesc Fabregas for the visit of Villa.

Fabregas missed the 3-0 win over Hull last week with a minor hamstring strain but may have recovered sufficiently to make himself available for the visit of fourth-placed Villa.

Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Robin van Persie (ankle) remain sidelined, along with full-back Gael Clichy (back) and Johan Djourou (knee), while Armand Traore could be ready to return.