Wenger calls for calm

"It is tighter than ever," he said.

"We dropped two points (against Wigan) and we are going through a patch at the moment, we are a bit unlucky I feel. But the team is still focused.

"We want to remain calm and determined then we'll have a very good chance to do it."

Wenger could argue that the Gunners have been unfortunate not to take maximum points from their recent visits to Birmingham and Wigan, and he feels that the results prove just how difficult it can be to face those sides battling for their lives at the wrong end of the table.

"When you fight against teams who fight not to go down, like we did at Birmingham, they never give up," he said.

"If you do not make a difference early on then you are always under threat because if that happens the more their belief and determination grows during the game."