Arsenal fullback Bacary Sagna says they cannot afford a slow start tonight against Everton.

Everton are only four points behind them, and Sagna feels the match at Emirates Stadium could be pivotal in terms of securing a Champions League place.

"We have to start well, we have to keep playing as we are at the moment, to keep looking forward and play the Arsenal way," he told Arsenal Player.

"It will be a massive step forward [if we win] because we would play our last games with more confidence and in a good position. We know we have to win.

"We know we can put them away if we win against them and give ourselves a bit more breathing room."