Arsene Wenger has stressed that Arsenal should just concentrate on their performances and not worry about what other teams are doing, as they bid to qualify for next season's Champions League.
While the Gunners are just four points off second placed Manchester City, they are involved in a tight race to finish in the top four with Manchester United, Liverpool, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.
Wenger knows that they are entering a crucial phase of the campaign and any slip-ups could prove to be catastrophic for their top four ambitions at the end of the season.
The Frenchman pointed out the tight nature of the contest and how a poor result could affect their chances of finishing in the top four. He added that since the race is so close, it is better that Arsenal concentrate on their own performances to keep their noses in front rather than worrying about the results of the other teams around them.
“United are only one point [behind us] and Liverpool three points”, Wenger said in a press conference, via his club's site.
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“There’s a long way to go but once you’re in March the acceleration is there for the final sprint and what you basically have to do is not look too much at other teams, just focus on what you want to do and how you can do it.”
Wenger stressed that they need to maintain a certain level of consistency in their performances and results during the business end of the season to satisfy their top four ambitions.
“It will be very, very tight and it will be down to consistency in our results and mental strength.
“That will certainly be needed again on Wednesday night [at QPR].”
Manchester United will travel to Newcastle United tomorrow and Liverpool are set to host Burnley at Anfield. Meanwhile, Tottenham will welcome Swansea City to White Hart Lane on the same night; Southampton will host Crystal Palace tonight.
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