Wenger tells players: Get a grip

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The next 10 days will be decisive in the Gunners' hunt for silverware as their match at Bolton in the Premier League tomorrow is followed by three games against Liverpool - with next Saturday's domestic clash sandwiched by two quarter-final ties in the Champions League.

The Arsenal manager admitted today that he is no longer even thinking of the title race after a catastrophic run of matches.

Arsenal have failed to win any of their last five League games and their most recent defeat, a 2-1 reverse at Chelsea, means they now trail leaders Manchester United by six points.

Their hopes of salvaging something from a campaign which once brimmed with possibilities now appear to rest with the Champions League but Wenger knows his side are running out of chances to find form ahead of next Wednesday's clash with Liverpool at Emirates Stadium.

Now the Frenchman has seen fit to issue a rallying call to his beleaguered side, urging them to rediscover the spirit which characterised their early-season displays.

"We need to win our next game and get a grip before thinking about whether we can win the title," he said. "We have to be realistic: our form in recent games has not been good enough to dream of titles.

"I believe we will do it but we need to get back to our defensive stability. We were leading with 20 minutes to go at Chelsea and then surrendered it. What we produced defensively was just not us: we can do much better than that."

Wenger has also reiterated his backing for captain William Gallas, 30, after reports he had lost the confidence of teammates following a string of erratic performances.

"I am satisfied with William's leadership," he added. "People are after him but he is strong enough to deal with that."

Wenger confirmed that defender Bacary Sagna will miss at least three weeks with the ankle injury he suffered at Chelsea, while Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) is still out.