Arsene Wenger admits a top four finish is critical for Arsenal's "sporting future".

Arsenal have qualified for the Champions League for 15 consecutive seasons - and Wenger says it is vital that run continues.

He said: "Financially we can live with not qualifying but on a sporting front, no.

"And the sporting front is the priority."

So finishing in the top four is arguably more important than winning a cup, according to Wenger.

He said: "The real quality of the team is judged on where you are on a consistent level in the championship and where you are in the Champions League.

"We are a bit short and we have to reduce that gap."