Wenger expects top-four finish

Arsene Wenger remains confident Arsenal have the strength of character needed to force themselves back into the top four of the Barclays Premier League.

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The Gunners head to Sunderland this weekend on the back of a 7-1 thrashing of Blackburn at Emirates Stadium, which was a welcome first league win of 2012 and reduced the gap on fourth-placed Chelsea, who drew with Manchester United, to three points.

Wenger's men are set to host four of the five sides currently above them over the coming weeks, and the Arsenal manager feels the team can produce the needed consistency, telling the club's official website: "We still have real hope that we can finish the season the strongest."

He added: "We have a good spirit and desire within the group - and we have quality. We know that with the position we are in we need an exceptional consistency, so that is the challenge we have in front of us at Sunderland."

Arsenal' defensive worries have eased somewhat in recent games with the return to match fitness of Bacary Sagna, while fellow full-back Kieran Gibbs is also close to being in contention again after his groin problems.

Switzerland international Johan Djourou did not feature in the squad for Blackburn.

The 25-year-old, though, appears to remain very much part of Wenger's plans, with the Switzerland Football Association posting an article announcing Djourou - who came up through the Arsenal youth ranks - had agreed a contract extension until 2015.

Press Association Sport understands confirmation will come from Arsenal later on Wednesday.

Djourou, who posted a link to the story via his Twitter account, said on http://www.football.ch: "I like this club and I want to stay here as long as possible.

"I currently work in the background, waiting for another chance to show my potential. I have confidence in the future."

Ex-England star Merson banned for drink-driving

Former England and Arsenal star Paul Merson was banned from driving for 14 months on Wednesday after crashing his car into a truck last year while over the alcohol limit.

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Merson pleaded guilty to drink-driving in a hearing at Leamington Spa Magistrates which heard how the 43-year-old fell asleep at the wheel after having a "few drinks" at a charity event last October.

The Arsenal legend crashed his Mercedes car into a heavy goods vehicle as he was driving home from the event, the court was told.

Merson made nearly 300 appearances for Arsenal during a 12-year career with the Gunners before later stints with Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Walsall. He also earned 21 caps for England between 1991 and 1998.

Arsenal set to move for unhappy Chelsea star Sturridge

Chelsea face a battle to keep hold of top-scorer Daniel Sturridge, with Arsenal showing a major interest in the young forward.
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Sturridge has scored 10 goals for Chelsea so far this season, but sources close to the player claim he is unhappy at being played on the wing by Andre Villas-Boas.

According to a report in The Daily Mail, Arsenal will take advantage of his situation at Stamford Bridge and make a bid for him in the summer.

Sturridge wants to negotiate an improved deal, yet Chelsea are unwilling to do so as he still has two-and-a-half years left on his contract.

With Chelsea rumoured to be interested in bringing in a new forward in the summer, his chances of playing in his preferred position seem unlikely.

City ease to win over Fulham

Sergio Aguero ended his five-game barren streak by sending Manchester City on their way to a comfortable 3-0 win over Fulham.

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Aguero drove home his 19th goal of the campaign from the penalty spot after just nine minutes on a snowy evening at the Etihad Stadium.

A Chris Baird own goal and a second-half tap-in for Edin Dzeko saw City open up a three-point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Van Persie treble as seven-up Arsenal rout Rovers

Robin van Persie scored a hat-trick
as Arsenal silenced their critics with a 7-1 thrashing of Blackburn on
Saturday to record their biggest Premier League win of the season.

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Disgruntled
Arsenal fans had reportedly been planning protests at the Emirates
after Arsene Wenger's side had slid to three consecutive league defeats
and a disappointing draw at Bolton in midweek.

But Wenger's side
responded to the disquiet amongst their supporters with a ruthless
demolition of struggling Rovers which saw them move up to fifth in the
league table.

Van Persie took his tally for the season to 28 after
striking in the 2nd, 38th and 62nd minutes, with Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain (2) and Mikel Arteta getting the other goals before
substitute Thierry Henry completed the scoring.

Morten Gamst
Pedersen was the lone scorer for Blackburn, who also had Gael Givet sent
off for a wild challenge on van Persie just before half time.

The defeat left Blackburn firmly rooted in the relegation zone, two points adrift of safety in 19th place.

Arsenal racing against time, says Arteta

Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal must improve quickly, or face up to the prospect of missing out on a top four finish for the first time in 16 years.

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The Gunners have been a fixture among the Premier League's leading group ever since they finished fifth in 1996.

But having dropped to seventh after the latest round of fixtures, Arsene Wenger's side now face a testing challenge if they are to maintain their impressively consistent run and ensure a place in next season's Champions League.

The midweek draw at Bolton at least ensured the North London club avoided a fourth successive league defeat.

But that was scant consolation after Wenger's team had been presented with the opportunity to reduce the gap to fourth-placed Chelsea to three points.

Now Arsenal must attempt to rediscover winning form when Blackburn Rovers visit the Emirates Stadium desperately seeking points to boost their relegation battle.

The pressure is undoubtedly building on the manager following his failure to make a major signing in the transfer window, despite funds being made available to him.

And Arteta, the Spanish midfielder, acknowledges the time has come to step up the pace to avoid losing further ground to Chelsea as well as Newcastle United and Liverpool who lie fifth and sixth respectively.

"It is going to be tough to finish in the top four but it depends on us," Arteta said. "We have got the talent and the quality in the side to do it but we have to show it day by day.

"I am confident because we train together every day and I know how good we are but we have to show it every day, not every two or three weeks.

"It is more about details to score and make the game much easier for us. It depends on small details. We had the chances to score against Bolton and we didn't. You are not going to get 15 chances to win a football game and nowadays when you get it, especially away from home, you have to take it."

"I am sure that Chelsea will start a good run and we have to do the same and win games like we did a month ago. But I am still positive. There are still a lot of games to play and hopefully we can get that done."

Blackburn were similarly wasteful during the home defeat to Newcastle and their cause wasn't helped by the absence of leading scorer Yakubu through suspension.

The striker will again be missing but Rovers can at least head south knowing they are unbeaten in their last three away games having won at Manchester United and drawn at both Everton and Liverpool.

Manager Steve Kean is adamant, however, Chris Samba will not feature despite being available for selection.

The influential centre back infuriated his manager when he insisted he was not in the right frame of mind to play for the club after handing a transfer request.

The January deadline passed with the defender landing a move but Kean has made it clear he is unforgiving towards the Congo international.

"I'm prepared to say he's fit and he's available but he's not in the squad for the Arsenal game," said the manager.

"I'd rather speak about people who are available to play against Arsenal. Chris has trained well today but he's not going to be in this squad."

Arteta calls for consistency

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta insists they have to consistently produce good performances every week if they are not to fall behind in the race for Champions League qualification.

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The Gunners' goalless draw at Bolton on Wednesday night was their first point in four league matches and they dropped to seventh in the Barclays Premier League, although still only five points off fourth-placed Chelsea.

"For me it is not good enough. We have the players and the quality to come here (to Bolton) and get a better result than what we got," said the Spaniard.

"It (the race for a top-four place) is going to be tough. We have the talent and quality in the side but we have to show it game by game.

"I am confident because we train together every day and I know how good we are but we have to show it every week not every two or three weeks. It is tough because I am sure Chelsea will go on a good run so we have to go on a good run and win games as we were doing a month ago.

"There are still a lot of games to play and a lot of the season left so I am sure we can get it done. I am not saying we are not performing but there are more details [needed] to score and make the game much easier for us."

Arsenal wasted some good chances in the first half, with Robin van Persie having a header cleared off the line, while Theo Walcott wasted a one-on-one with goalkeeper Adam Bogdan before, in the second half, Van Persie was twice denied by the framework of the goal.

Arteta said they could not afford to pass up as many opportunities again if they want to keep pace with the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle.

"We had enough chances to win the game comfortably in the first half but we missed too many and it makes it very hard away from home when you don't take them," said the £10million summer signing from Everton.

"At least we kept a clean sheet because we took a lot of risks going forward trying to score."

Wilshere suffers injury setback

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has suffered another stress fracture to his ankle but has not been ruled out for the season, Press Association Sport understands.

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The 20-year-old was first troubled by an ankle problem while on international duty with England last summer and, apart from a pre-season appearance in the Emirates Cup, has not played a competitive match for the Gunners this season.

Wilshere, who needed surgery after initially wearing a protective boot, was set to return in early February, but felt pain when running in training last week. It is understood he has suffered a small stress fracture in his right ankle and that he is being monitored ahead of a scan on the injury in two weeks' time.

Wilshere is healing well from his original injury and has not been ruled out for the season.

The fitness of the combative midfielder will be of interest to England manager Fabio Capello as he prepares for his side's Euro 2012 campaign in Poland and Ukraine this summer.

Gunners snap up youngster Eisfeld

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of attacking midfielder Thomas Eisfeld from Borussia Dortmund on a long-term contract.

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The 19-year-old came through the German outfit's academy and leaves after seven years with the club.

Eisfeld has impressed for Dortmund's Under-19 side this season and has now completed a move to the north Londoners.

"I feel very proud to have signed for Arsenal," Eisfield told the club's officil website, www.arsenal.com.

"This is a great club, with many great players, and I'm so happy to be joining Arsenal.

"It's a real honour to be team-mates with the great players at Arsenal, and also training every day with players like Tomas Rosicky - who I grew up watching play at Dortmund.

"I will give it everything I have here and do my best to make the manager, players and fans happy.

"I would also like to thank Borussia Dortmund, where I played for the last seven years, for everything they have done for me.

"I had a great time there, and there were many wonderful coaches who helped me get to where I am today."

Eisfeld has featured at youth level for the German national team and can play in a variety of positions.

Song stars for Arsenal as Essien takes another step

Alex Song made a vital contribution to Arsenal's stunning comeback to beat Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round on the weekend, while Chelsea's Michael Essien took another step, albeit brief, towards a full return.

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Cameroon midfielder Song was on hand to play team-mates Aaron Ramsey and Laurent Koscielny into the goalkeeper's area. Both were brought down and Robin van Persie converted twice from the spot as the Gunners scored three goals in seven minutes to motor into the last 16.

Ghana midfielder Essien made a very late appearance in his side's FA Cup victory over QPR, making it three appearances since coming back from a serious knee injury earlier this month, with hopes increasing that he will soon regain full match fitness.

ENGLAND

ALEX SONG (Arsenal)

The Cameroon midfielder played a key role in his side's stunning FA Cup fourth round fightback against Aston Villa on Sunday. Arsenal trailed 2-0 at half-time at the Emirates Stadium, but Song's incisive passes led to penalties for fouls on Aaron Ramsey and Laurent Koscielny -- both converted by Robin van Persie -- as the hosts roared into the last 16 with three goals in seven minutes.

MICHAEL ESSIEN (Chelsea)

The Ghana midfielder continued his return to match fitness with a brief substitute appearance in his club's 1-0 FA Cup fourth round win at west London rivals QPR on Saturday. Essien missed the first half of the season with a serious knee injury but, following his 90th minute appearance at Loftus Road, he has now played three times since mid-January and will hope to start his first match shortly.

SOMEN TCHOYI (West Brom)

The Cameroon midfielder came on as a second half substitute in Saturday's FA Cup fourth round tie against Norwich, but was unable to prevent his side crashing out. Tchoyi replaced Jerome Thomas in the 71st minute, but he couldn't inspire Roy Hodgson's team and it was another substitute, Simeon Jackson, who scored the 85th minute winner for Norwich.

SEYI OLOFINJANA (Hull)

The Nigeria midfielder suffered a shock exit from the FA Cup on Saturday as League Two minnows Crawley won 1-0 at the KC Stadium. Olofinjana, 31, came off the bench in the 65th minute with Championship club Hull already trailing to a Matthew Tubbs strike and, despite his best efforts, Nick Barmby's men were unable to avoid an embarrassing exit.

FRANCE

CHRISTIAN KINKELA (Ajaccio)

Congolese midfielder Kinkela scored a fine injury-time goal to give Ajaccio a 2-1 win at Valenciennes that extended their winning run to four Ligue 1 games and lifted them from the foot of the table to 15th place. The 29-year-old came on as a substitute in the 83rd minute and less than 10 minutes later he cut in from the right and flummoxed an opposition defender with a neat step-over before shaping a wonderful left-footed shot around the dive of Valenciennes goalkeeper Nicolas Penneteau.

ONYEKACHI APAM (Rennes)

Nigerian centre-back Apam played an unwitting role as Marseille fought back from a goal down to win 2-1 at Rennes and leapfrog their opponents into fifth place. The hosts were 1-0 up when Apam inadvertently diverted Loic Remy's cross into his own net shortly before half-time and his misery was complete in the 77th minute when Benoit Cheyrou scored the winner for the away side.

ALAIXYS ROMAO (Lorient)

Togolese midfielder Romao scored his first league goal of the season to put Lorient 1-0 up at home to struggling Sochaux. There were 62 minutes on the clock when Romao stole in behind the visiting defence to beat goalkeeper Pierrick Cros from close range, but Cedric Bakambu's stunning 80th-minute equaliser ensured that Sochaux left Brittany with a share of the points.

GERMANY

FALLOU DIAGNE (Freiburg)

The Senegalese defender was shown a red card after just four minutes of Freiburg's 3-1 defeat at Mainz to leave his side bottom of the Bundesliga. The 22-year-old hauled down Mainz's Adam Szalai, who was through on goal, and Poland midfielder Eugen Polanski drilled home the resulting penalty.

ERIC CHOUPO-MOTING (Mainz 05)

The Cameroon striker scored twice in Mainz's 3-1 win over Freiburg as the 22-year-old netted after just three minutes and added his second on 17 minutes and was a constant threat to the defence with a series of strong runs. The former Germany under-21 forward has netted six goals in 19 games for Mainz.

MAME BIRAM DIOUF (Hanover 96)

The Senegalese striker has signed for Hanover from European giants Manchester United on a two-year contract. The 24-year-old watched Hanover's 1-0 win over Nuremberg and will train with his new team Monday after two years at Old Trafford.

ITALY

DJAMEL MESBAH (AC Milan)

With Nigerian left-back Taye Taiwo loaned out to Queens Park Rangers in England, the versatile Algerian Mesbah lined up at full-back for his Milan debut. Often employed in midfield at his previous club Lecce, he made an impressive start for the Milanese giants in their 3-0 victory. He show great willingness to run up and down the left flank, although on occasions was guilty of trying to do too much on his own.

JOEL OBI (Inter Milan)

The Nigeria midfielder is rapidly becoming a reliable element in Claudio Ranieri's nerazzurri side. He doesn't stand out by any means but he is disciplined and tidy playing in midfield. He's showed he has the legs to run all day and could be categorised as a willing worker, although at times he needs to take a few more risks in the attacking part of the game. Against Lecce he was solid but could have done more to help his side avoid a costly 1-0 defeat.

SPAIN

ODION IGHALO (Granada)

Nigerian striker Ighalo, on loan from Italian side Udinese, scored in Granada's 2-1 victory over Andalusian rivals Real Betis. Ighalo opened the scoring on 12 minutes with a cool finish in front of the Betis goal after a perfect pass from Carlos Martins for his second league goal of the season.

HASSAN YEBDA (Granada)

Algerian midfielder Yebda also completed the full 90 minutes for Granada on his 13th league appearance this season for the club and was prominent throughout with a hard-working performance.

AROUNA KONE (Levante)

Ivorian striker Kone could not add to his six league goals this season as Levante lost 2-1 at home to Getafe. Kone played the full game and his team remain in fourth position in La Liga and on course for a surprise Champions League place next season

Van Persie avoids further action

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie will face no further action over an incident involving Aston Villa defender Carlos Cuellar during Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round match at the Emirates Stadium.

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Villa boss Alex McLeish called for the Football Association to take retrospective action against the Dutchman for what he claimed was an elbow on the Spaniard, but match referee Mike Jones has told the FA he saw the incident and decided it was not worthy of punishment.

McLeish said on Sunday, following his side's 3-2 defeat: "I thought it was a clear elbow, but the referee did not seem to think there was anything in it. Would I like the FA to look at it? Yes, if it was an elbow in the face - look at my nose, it is a result of elbows all my career. It is something which is dangerous."

He added: "I never mentioned it to the referee. I saw it in real time.

"I don't like to point the finger at players, but it has happened to mine enough times."

Two Van Persie penalties either side of a fortuitous Theo Walcott goal helped the Gunners erase first-half goals from Richard Dunne and Darren Bent and set up a last-16 meeting with Sunderland or Middlesbrough.

The Gunners have had a player banned retrospectively this season, with Alex Song handed a three-match suspension for a stamp on then Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton in August which was not seen by referee Peter Walton.

Walcott: We have nothing to fear

Theo Walcott is out to make the FA Cup his first winners' medal at Arsenal - declaring the Gunners should fear no-one after their thrilling comeback against Aston Villa.

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Arsene Wenger's side were 2-0 down at Emirates Stadium on Sunday heading into half-time. However, a rousing second-half performance turned the tie around as Arsenal secured a place in the last 16 next month against either Sunderland or Middlesbrough.

Walcott - signed from Southampton in 2006 - is one of a string of senior players yet to lift silverware with the Gunners. However, the 22-year-old is out to put that record straight this season, and said: "I would like to look back on my career at the trophies I have won. There are none yet. This is a competition that we can win."

He added: "A couple of big teams have gone out and, if we can come from 2-0 down, hopefully we can beat anybody now."

Walcott revealed a rousing address from Van Persie during the interval helped lift Arsenal for the second half.

He said: "Robin is the captain and showed again how much he believes in this team and how much he wants to win this competition."

After a disappointing opening half, Walcott came to life in the second, his penetrating runs eventually rewarded on 56 minutes when Alan Hutton's clearance from his goalline cross bounced back off the England man and into the Villa net.

Walcott maintains he does not pay any attention to his critics.

"I just want to play my game and show people what I can do,"he said> I am the best judge of my performance, not anyone else.

"I was not happy with my last few games but, hopefully, now I can try to get back to a level I should be at. Everyone should realise I am a good judge of my character."

Wenger proud of Gunners spirit

Arsene Wenger praised the character of his Arsenal side after they battled back from 2-0 down to win a 'classic' FA Cup tie against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.

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Richard Dunne and Darren Bent had put the visitors in command at the break, before Dunne upended Aaron Ramsey for Robin Van Persie to dispatch the resulting spot-kick. Theo Walcott levelled via a ricochet before another penalty from Van Persie saw Wenger's men through to a last-16 tie with Sunderland or Middlesbrough.

Wenger said: "I was very impressed because I felt that when you come out of a bad period like we are, and you are 2-0 down, you can feel sorry for yourself or you can show you have the mental qualities to play for this club."

He added: "I was very proud the team came out playing on all cylinders and showed they are not ready to lie down.

"It was a good test to show that we had the mental qualities to come back. On the other hand it was important that we didn't panic. To concede a goal just on half-time for 2-0 was a difficult blow, but we responded very well against Manchester United here and we did it again.

"Overall it was a classic FA Cup tie in England: 2-0 down and coming back, we had to fight to score three goals and we did it well."

Villa boss Alex McLeish could not hide his frustration at failing to hold off Arsenal's fightback.

He said: "I am very disappointed we did not see it out and it is a missed opportunity. The fans will be gutted at seeing us let that lead slip away.

"I said to the lads at half-time that I would like to be congratulating them at full-time, because it was an international performance in the first half.

"The penalty gave them a huge lift, and we looked a bit leggy, but we went right to the end and could even have had an equaliser with a couple of late chances, but it was not to be. We have to learn from this and try to obtain that winning mentality."

Arsenal fightback stuns Villa

Robin van Persie netted twice from the penalty spot as Arsenal came from two goals down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium and book their place in the FA Cup fifth round.

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Richard Dunne and Darren Bent had put the visitors in command at the break but the Gunners were given a lifeline at the start of the second half when Dunne upended Aaron Ramsey, and Van Persie coolly dispatched the resulting spot-kick.

Within two minutes, Theo Walcott had levelled via a fortunate ricochet and then another penalty from their captain completed the turnaround to send Arsene Wenger's men through to the last 16 against Sunderland or Middlesbrough.

The visitors took the lead on 33 minutes. A well-worked corner saw Stiliyan Petrov's backheel release Robbie Keane, who floated the ball through the Arsenal six-yard box where Dunne got up above a static defence to power in a header.

Arsenal looked for an immediate response, with Shay Given needing two attempts to gather a low shot from Tomas Rosicky. Ramsey ghosted into from the left, and was blocked at the near post by Given.

The Villa stopper then beat away Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's low, 20-yard strike, before the visitors broke away to make it 2-0 just before half-time. Stephen Ireland fed Bent and his angled drive was parried away by Lukasz Fabianski, but the England striker was first to the loose ball and slotted it in from the tightest of angles.

Arsenal had regrouped during the interval and were quickly back on the offensive as Per Mertesacker's header from a corner was cleared off the line by Ireland.

The Gunners were awarded a penalty on 54 minutes as Dunne upended Ramsey after he latched onto Alex Song's through-ball. Van Persie made no mistake from the spot, sending Given the wrong way as he slotted into the bottom-left corner, to give the tie new life.

Within two minutes, Arsenal were level. Walcott darted into the right side of the Villa penalty area and stabbed the ball across the goal-line, where Alan Hutton smashed his clearance back against the England forward and it ricocheted into the net.

And when Laurent Koscielny burst down the left and into the edge of the Villa box, he was caught from behind by Bent and again referee Mike Jones pointed to the spot. Van Persie stepped up once more, this time putting the ball into the bottom right corner for goal number 25 of the season to complete the turnaround on the hour.

Wenger plays down Wilshere fears

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists there is no need to yet be concerned over Jack Wilshere's hopes of playing at Euro 2012 after the England midfielder suffered a setback to his recovery.

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The 20-year-old was set to return from his ankle problem in early February, but felt pain when running in training earlier this week and will now have a series of consultations with specialists before deciding how to proceed.

But Wenger is not overly worried, and when asked about Euro 2012, he said: "I would not (worry) at the moment. We are now at the end of January. He has not played since summer, so for the friendly against Holland (on February 29) it is impossible."

He added: "From day one, when you are completely fit to practice again, to be match fit you count at least six weeks.

"Jack is gutted. It is a massive disappointment, but I am really disappointed for him as well because he is a football animal.

"I am so sad that at that age you have to be out for such a long time with not any obvious reason.

"If you had have told me that Jack would not have played one game by February, I would have said 'that is impossible'.

"We miss that little burst from Jack. Let's hope it goes well and we have good news (from the specialists)."

'Little setback' for Wilshere

England and Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has suffered 'a little setback' in his recovery from an ankle injury.

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Gunners manager Arsene Wenger revealed the 20-year-old suffered pain in the ankle while running.

"Wilshere had a little setback which is under investigation," said Wenger. "We don't know yet how bad it is. He has pain again in his ankle (when running). We stopped him right away. He is seeing a specialist, so I do not want to give you any wrong information."

The news will come as a blow to Arsenal, who are five points behind Chelsea and the all-important fourth place in the Barclays Premier League.

It will also be of concern to England boss Fabio Capello as he prepares for his side's Euro 2012 campaign in Poland and Ukraine.

Wilshere suffered a stress fracture in his right ankle last summer while playing for his country and has yet to play this season.

He had originally hoped the injury would heal itself with the help of a protective boot, but he was forced to undergo an operation.

Van Persie stays positive

Robin van Persie has called for Arsenal to stick together, maintaining that they can still make a success of the current campaign.

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Much has been made of the fall-out from the Gunners' 2-1 home defeat by Manchester United last Sunday, which left them five points behind Chelsea after a third successive Barclays Premier League loss.

"There are plenty of games still left, we have recovered from reverses like this before and we will win again, so anybody writing us off is making a mistake," Van Persie posted in a statement on Facebook. "This could still be a good season for us. We have the FA Cup to look forward to and the Champions League."

He added: "We will all be giving 100% to make sure we bring one of those trophies home, hopefully both of them.

"Let's all stick together and fight."

Walcott: Time to stand up

Theo Walcott has called on Arsenal's players to take responsibility and ease the pressure on manager Arsene Wenger.

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The Frenchman has come in for criticism from sections of the club's fans in recent weeks while shielding his players from the worst of the Gunners faithful's frustrations, and Walcott says now is the time for him and his team-mates to stand up and be counted.

"The manager will take all the stick," he told the Daily Telegraph. "He looks after us. He believes in us. As players we need to look at ourselves. We need to take responsibility. The last few games haven't been good enough."

He added: "The worst thing is we have a lot of regrets. There are games we could have won. When you go to Swansea and score two goals you should win."

Walcott praised captain Robin van Persie's leadership in the dressing room as he revealed the team's culture of reflecting at length on the good and bad points of their performances.

"We always like to reflect on the game in the dressing room, even at half-time, sharing our feelings on the game," he said. "Robin is a great captain who wants to win. He believes in the team and knows the team can do better."

While injuries to key players have played their part in Arsenal's failings, Walcott insists that cannot be an excuse - though he concedes Jack Wilshere has been particularly sorely missed.

"We've missed him. He's an important player even after just that one year (in the team)," he said. "People compare him to Cesc (Fabregas). I think he can be better than Cesc, definitely. It's just a shame he had that massive injury.

"Injuries don't help but we can't just look at injuries."

Van Persie denies Wenger rift after Man Utd defeat

Robin van Persie has dismissed talk of a rift with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger following the striker's reaction to the substitution of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain against Manchester United.

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Van Persie, a pivotal figure for Arsenal this season as they attempt to qualify for the Champions League, appeared to exclaim "No!" when Wenger replaced Oxlade-Chamberlain with Andrey Arshavin during Sunday's 2-1 defeat.

The decision was hugely unpopular with Arsenal's fans, who roundly jeered Wenger following the move.

Holland striker van Persie however has moved quickly to play down suggestions of a split with Wenger, telling The Sun on Tuesday that Oxlade-Chamberlain had been replaced because of a calf injury.

"I was not having a go at the boss on Sunday - I was just sad to see Alex leave the pitch as he just gave the assist for our only goal," van Persie said.

"I was not questioning his judgement - I know it's not my place to challenge what Arsene Wenger does...

"Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain had a calf injury. We did not know that but the boss did and brought Andrey Arshavin on."

"The manager and I are fine and my relationship with the club is good.

"There is no problem, there is no conflict and there is no controversy.

"The boss knows that, I know that and the players know that."

Meanwhile goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has called on supporters to trust in Wenger as the club struggle to get their season back on track after three successive league defeats.

"He's done a magnificent job over the 15 years and he's still doing it now," Szczesny said. "So I don't think his position at this club should ever be questioned."

Van Persie: No rift with Wenger

Robin van Persie insists there is 'no problem' or 'conflict' at Arsenal despite his reaction to Arsene Wenger's substitution of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain during the 2-1 defeat by Manchester United on Sunday.

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Wenger's relationship with Gunners supporters reached an all-time low at the weekend when they railed against his substitution of Oxlade-Chamberlain for Andrey Arshavin. Captain Van Persie also appeared to react to Wenger's decision with the word "no".

However, the Holland striker has clarified the situation and also revealed the teenager had picked up a calf injury, telling The Sun: "I was not having a go at the boss on Sunday - I was just sad to see Alex leave the pitch as he just gave the assist for our only goal."

He added: "I was not questioning his judgement - I know it's not my place to challenge what Arsene Wenger does...

"Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain had a calf injury. We did not know that but the boss did and brought Andrey Arshavin on.

"The manager and I are fine and my relationship with the club is good.

"There is no problem, there is no conflict and there is no controversy.

"The boss knows that, I know that and the players know that."