Arsenal spurred on by past failures

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his side’s recent good form has been the result of painful memories from last season.

The Gunners exited three competitions in two weeks, including a surprise Carling Cup defeat to Birmingham City that sparked a run of only three wins in their next 14 games.

Humiliating defeats to AC Milan in the Champions League and Sunderland in the FA Cup last month evoked fears of a repeat collapse, but after four consecutive victories, they have the chance to overtake rivals Tottenham in third place in the Premier League.

And a little more than a year on from that shock Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham, Wenger believes that day was huge turning point in his Arsenal career.

“We were in four different competitions and were knocked out in three in the space of two weeks,” he told the club’s official website.

“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.”

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

“It is so fragile that it is just down to the next performance. Therefore that is what you want to focus on. We had a little bit of a breather, so it is important for us to focus again and keep the momentum going.”

Ahead of Wednesday’s crucial Premier League trip to Goodison Park, Wenger singled out former Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta as a key player.

“He is a team player and a winner. He is a fighter as well. I think he possesses both aspects of the game of a real midfielder – that means he can defend and he can attack. That’s what we looked for,” Wenger said.

After going behind in their last Premier League game – at home to Newcastle – Arsenal yet again came back to secure victory despite conceding first to become the first-ever side to win four successive matches from losing positions.

“Every time, we have shown outstanding spirit. It’s not fantastic for your emotions, but overall when it finishes well you accept to suffer,” said Wenger.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Wenger says Fabrice Muamba’s time at the club has ensured he still has a ‘special bond’ with many of the first team players at the club.

Muamba left North London in 2007 after a five-year stay with the club but grew up alongside the likes of Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou.

Wenger has admitted many of his players were affected when Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest at White Hart Lane on Saturday, but the good news on the Bolton player’s improved condition has helped boost morale.

“He is a loved guy,” Wenger said.

“Because we have a young team, many of them grew up with Fabrice. There is a strong link when you fight together in the youth teams because it creates a special bond.”

“The players were quite low yesterday and two days ago but today it is a bit better because we have good news about him.”

“Everybody has a bit of relief today but let’s not maybe go too quickly overboard and think he is completely out of it. You trust the quality of the care he has, you trust the quality of his mental strength and his desire to fight any restrictions.”