Gael Clichy admits Arsenal must find consistency or their season will be over before the New Year. "Those are the key words in football today, being consistent and working hard as a team," said the France defender on Arsenal TV Online.
"It was a great performance against Manchester United and if we do that every week we'll be fine. But we did the opposite (against Villa) and we cannot work like this.
"There is time and there's a way to go. There is time to catch and for other teams to drop points but if we play like we did (against Villa), after a few months the season will be finished."
Defeat left Arsenal nine points behind league leaders Chelsea.
Clichy added: "We realised the win against Manchester United counted for nothing. We have to give them (Villa) credit, look at ourselves and ask the right questions.
"We have to work like we did against Manchester United. If we play with that desire, the quality will make the difference.
"Of course, we have to be positive. The game against Manchester United was the perfect example of a team display and desire. We have to play with the right desire and attitude."
Midfielder Cesc Fabregas also feels consistency will be the key to sustaining a challenge.
He added: "It's very important to keep winning because if you beat Manchester United but then are not capable of beating other teams then you are nowhere and you don't deserve to win anything."
