Laurent Koscielny celebrates his goal with Olivier Giroud[AP]
Arsenal’s victory over Newcastle at the Emirates last night ensured they need to win only one of their final two games to finish in the top four.
The Arsenal manager said leading the league for so long only to fall away in March will make sure they take nothing for granted.
“If we do it early it will be a relief, yes, but it’s not done,” said Wenger. “I’m long enough in the job to know to get over the line is difficult.
“We have suffered enough this season in some periods not to be complacent. The pain we went through will help us focus to do the final job well. We are in a strong position now.
“We want more next season. Hopefully, we can do it but let’s first finish well this season.”
Goals from Laurent Koscielny, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud saw off Newcastle, whose furious fans called for the sacking of manager Alan Pardew after a sixth straight defeat. Pardew said he understood the fans’ anger.
“They’re frustrated,” he said. “We had 2,000 here tonight making this long, long trip. Although we’re playing a good team, they expect us to win.
“They’ve seen us lose again and they’re not happy and I have to respect that. But all I can do is do this job to the best of my ability. We’ve been top 10 all year. We should have performed better in this run. We’ve got to finish in the top 10.
“It [the calls for his sacking] puts pressure on the team and myself. I have to do my best to protect the team and the performance. But if we win on Saturday it’ll guarantee us top 10, I’m pretty sure of that.”
Wenger said he expected Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to be fit before the end of the season and for England at the World Cup.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
