Wenger hails Arsenal's fighting spirit

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal's fighting spirit has been fuelled by memories of last year's late-season collapse.

The Gunners won just three out of 14 games after losing last season's Carling Cup final to Birmingham.

Away defeats to AC Milan and Sunderland last month threatened to cause another spectacular meltdown.

But the in-form Gunners are on a four-match winning streak and have everything to play for when they travel to Everton.

Wenger said: "We were in four different competitions and were knocked out in three in the space of two weeks," he recalled. "You are only human beings. Two results (back-to-back draws with Liverpool and Tottenham in mid-April) killed the hope we had to play for the championship and from then on we felt, subconsciously, too secure that we were in the top four anyway.

"Once you don't go for the championship anymore, it's different.

"This season, it's completely different. We were completely out of the top four, we have come into it on a good run and now of course it is taking advantage of that momentum.

"On top of that we have experience. It is a key time. The fixtures are difficult for Arsenal, for Chelsea, for Tottenham."

The battle-seasoned Gunners who suffered the humiliation of a 8-2 thrashing at the hands of Manchester United early in the season, are now in with a chance to overtake third-placed Tottenham on Wednesday night.

"It is so fragile that it is just down to the next performance. Therefore that is what you want to focus on. We (have) had a little bit of a breather, so it is important for us to focus again and keep the momentum going," said the Arsenal boss as they return to battle after playing Newcastle nine days ago.

Wenger hailed the spirit of Arsenal who have been hit by injuries to key players most notably Jack Wilshere who has yet to feature in this campaign and also their ability to bounce back after falling behind.

"Every time, we have shown outstanding spirit," Wenger told Arsenal Media. "It's not fantastic for your emotions, but overall when it finishes well you accept to suffer.

"If that's the price we have to pay, we are ready, but you just want to continue with the same attitude, because I don't believe in luck too much on that side of the game.

"If you come back, it is because you fight, and if you fight, you have a chance to come back, so let's fight first."