With 10 games remaining, Arsenal are third in the Premier League, five points ahead of Southampton in seventh, but boss Arsene Wenger admits each season it becomes more difficult to claim a coveted Champions League spot. "Every year it gets more difficult because you have more teams who can compete for it and in future years it will be even harder.

"Every point is important now - our home form will be decisive at the end. We have six home games and they are all vital.

"You feel it is a period where you need composure, focus and mental strength and it is interesting to see how your players respond to that."