Jack Wilshere says Arsenal must maintain their self-belief as they hold onto a one point lead at the top of the table.
Wilshere accepts confidence will play a major factor in whether Arsene Wenger's squad can sustain what is a long-overdue assault on the championship.
"We must believe. If we don't have belief, we have no chance," Wilshere said.
"We take each game as it comes, but in the back of our head we are top of the league and we want to stay top of the league."
Wilshere accepts this season's championship battle looks set to be the most open of recent times.
"It is there for four or five teams to take, it is that tight, if anyone drops points it can change," the 22-year-old said.
"Manchester City are very strong at home and their away form has got a lot better as well. They will be one of our main rivals, but we have to play them here still.
"As long as we keep going, take it game by game we have a chance."
