Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been telling his players that they need to remain strong mentally as they enter into what will be the closest Premiership title race in years.
As he prepares for his 1,000th game in charge at Arsenal Wenger knows that consistency will be the key to winning the race.
With the Gunners due to play Chelsea at the weekend and then Swansea on Tuesday before meeting Manchester City the 64-year-old Frenchman knows they are about to face their biggest hurdles.
“It’s a fact that every game is so demanding that as soon as you have a little bit less mental energy, you are in danger,” Wenger told Arsenal Player. “I have said since January that the most consistent team will win it in the end.
“There is a feeling that if we get through these games, it will strengthen the belief and determination of the team.
“That will be massive. If we get through well these next games, it will be a big part in it [Arsenal’s title hopes].”
Wenger is as excited now as he has ever been talking about the run-in for the title.
He said: “It is the best title race I can remember. In terms of the number of teams still involved with nine games to go, eight for some, this is certainly the highest number I have seen competing for the Premier League. This league is so competitive that anyone can drop points anywhere.”
Arsenal got back into contention on Sunday by beating Tottenham, and were also aided by Chelsea’s shock defeat at Aston Villa knowing now that Saturdays clash at Stamford Bridge could prove pivotal in Arsenals season.
“In the Premier League game that finished 0-0, Chelsea were set up to stop us playing,” he added, we didn’t manage to create enough to win the game and that is what we need to do on Saturday. To be creative, to create chances and to stop them from playing as well because they have creative players up front who can open you up when you go forward. We need to find that balance between attacking well and defending well.”
