Wenger confident of strong finish

Arsene Wenger believes the defensive approach of visiting teams has made it hard for Arsenal to pick up points at home in recent weeks.

A valiant defensive display earned Wigan a 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium last Monday, while Chelsea came away with a point on Saturday after a goalless draw against the Gunners.

A return of one point from a possible six has seen fourth-placed Newcastle close the gap on the north London side to just three points, with Alan Pardew’s side having played one game less.

Wenger told the club’s official website: “I feel that the teams came here and defended very well.

“It makes the game difficult for us and that is what happened.

“This week we were a bit less sharp than the weeks before but in those weeks we still finished strongly in matches.

“Against Manchester City (we finished strongly so) you cannot say from one week to the next that you are tired.”

Arsenal have managed, on average, two goals a game at the Emirates this season – with their final home game of the campaign against Norwich City scheduled for May 5.