Watford vs. Arsenal: Arsene Wenger's Key Comments from Pre-Match Presser

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted his club is capable of attracting the best players in the world ahead of Saturday's away Premier League clash against Watford.

The north London club sits second in the English top flight following a 3-0 thrashing of Manchester United ahead of the international break.

Wenger said the United performance is proof Arsenal are "back" and that his players will have more belief following their stellar performance, per John Cross in the Mirror: "[We] are back and capable to get the best players. I think Man United game can increase the belief and hunger of the players."

Michael Regan/Getty Images

The French manager has often taken criticism for his lack of major movements in the transfer window, most recently in the summer, when he failed to bring in a new outfield player, per the Guardian.

However, his two most high-profile signings of recent times, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, were brilliant against the Red Devils, and Wenger highlighted their importance to the side, per Cross: "[Alexis] works hard for the team and finishes. His enthusiasm is contagious. ... What you want from Mesut is to score in the big games. He did against Manchester United."

He also insisted the Gunners' vital Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on Tuesday would not dictate his selection for the Watford encounter.

Arsenal could potentially go top of the league with a victory over the Hornets, although they will need Bournemouth to pull off a shock against table-topping Manchester City earlier in the day.

Wenger believes the top eight can all compete for the title and called on his players to maintain their high level of performance as they pursue a first championship in over a decade, per the club's Twitter feed:

There are a number of fitness concerns for Wenger following the international break, with a few players being assessed. Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere are still unavailable because of their respective long-term injuries, per the Evening Standard's James Olley:

Watford have made a decent start to the campaign following their promotion from the Championship, picking up key points at home against the likes of Swansea City and Southampton.

However, the Gunners remain heavy favourites to claim all three points at Vicarage Road as they aim to keep pace with City and move further ahead of United in third.

They certainly have the quality to maintain a proper title challenge this season, but Arsenal do have issues with depth.

After his latest assertion that Arsenal can attract the best players, Wenger may be preparing for some activity in the January transfer window to help them go the distance in the title race.