Wenger wants fast start

LONDON - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes the strength of competition in the Premier League means his side cannot afford another slow start if it hopes to challenge for the title.

Arsenal has lost three of its past four opening games, with last term's 4-3 defeat at home to Liverpool setting the tone for a campaign in which the club missed out on Champions League qualification for the first time since 1997.

Wenger's squad launches the new campaign at home to Leicester City on Friday, and on Sunday he urged his players to harness the momentum from a promising preseason that culminated in victory over Chelsea in the Community Shield.