Despite failing to build on the previous campaign and mount a serious title challenge, Arsenal did recover from early troubles - losing five from their first 14 Barclays Premier League games and seeing defender William Gallas stripped of the captaincy after publicly questioning the desire of the young squad - to put on a 21-match unbeaten run which secured fourth place and with it another crack at Europe's elite club competition once again.

Most concerning for Wenger, however, was the inability of his team to produce in the games which really mattered.

Arsenal were outmuscled by an experienced Chelsea side in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, and then simply outclassed by Manchester United over two legs in the Champions League.

Nevertheless, Wenger will point to some areas of relative success.

A youthful team impressed as they reached the last eight of the Carling Cup, while the first-team regulars improved on their showing in Europe - not conceding a goal at home until eventually being undone by the marauding Red Devils.

Much is expected of Andrey Arshavin next season, the Russian cup-tied in Europe after a protracted January move from Zenit St Petersburg, but who produced some memorable displays - not least a stunning four-goal haul in the amazing draw at Liverpool.

With Emmanuel Adebayor now leading Manchester City's attack on the top four, consistency will be key if Arsenal are to retain their hard-earned status as one of England's premier clubs.

The addition of Belgium international Thomas Vermaelen, 23, will add some steel to a back line which was all too often exposed last season, though the Gunners are yet to replace the goalscoring threat of Adebayor.

Arsenal major shareholder Alisher Usmanov is keen for more funds to be made available to the manager.

Wenger, though, continues to remain mindful of the bigger picture, rather than just spending big in an attempt to find a quick fix.

Nevertheless, for the Gunners boss it is close becoming make of break for his youngsters, led by the committed Cesc Fabregas, who again spurned the chance of a big-money move to Spain to stay and help the team deliver.

"We have got a young team, which has an average age of 22 or 23, and one which is maturing - even if it can make mistakes like in the semi-final of the Champions League," said Wenger.

"What is very disappointing for us is in the games that mattered in the last three or four weeks we could not win.

"That is where we have to analyse."

Wenger added: "I am not denying it will be a decisive season.

"If we are not in the title race, we will have to build everything again.

"At the end of the day, we tried very hard to get the best out of the team.

"If it is not good enough, it is not good enough, we can accept that - but trust me, there was no fault of commitment on our side.

"If we do not get there (to win a trophy) next year then I am responsible and will stand up for it.

"I remain confident we can win silverware next season, and that is why we will continue to work hard, but we will naturally progress if we keep going."