Arsene Wenger: Consistency is key if Arsenal are to sneak back into title race

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger feels his side must focus on maintaining their consistency before turning attentions to a late challenge for the Barclays Premier League after dismantling goal-shy Aston Villa 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners recorded a third straight league victory to close up on the top four, and capitalise on Saturday's draw between leaders Chelsea and champions Manchester City.

Arsenal were without leading scorer Alexis Sanchez because of a hamstring problem, but showed they are far from a one-man team.

Olivier Giroud (left) celebrates after opening the scoring in Arsenal's 5-0 demolition of Aston Villa

Arsene Wenger has called for more consistency before Arsenal can consider challenging for the title

Arsenal players celebrate en route to taking three points that leaves them 11 behind leaders Chelsea

Yet despite the convincing way in which lacklustre Villa were despatched - with goals from Olivier Giroud, Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott, a Santi Cazorla penalty and a stoppage-time effort from Hector Bellerin - Wenger knows there remains plenty of hard work ahead.

'It is too early to say [Arsenal can still make a challenge for the title],' the Frenchman said. 'We are 11 points behind - that means they need to lose four games and we need to win four. I believe that we should try to be consistent and see what happens.

'We have maybe found a better consistency, that will be very important until the end.

'Let's show that we can win more and it shows you as well that when the confidence level is higher and when everybody's back defensively, it makes a difference.'

Wenger added: 'Our offensive game was good, even though I believe we had some weaker periods in the game when Aston Villa were in possession.

'We always looked dangerous when we got their lines and defensively we were sound as well. Overall it is a positive day for us.'

Ozil played a brilliant volleyed through-ball to release Giroud for Arsenal's opening goal on eight minutes.

Ozil celebrates Arsenal's second goal after rediscovering his form following a long lay-off

Theo Walcott bends in Arsenal's third goal of the afternoon after being set up by Santi Cazorla

Santi Cazorla scores Arsenal's fourth goal from the penalty spot despite Brad Guzan getting a hand to it

Hector Bellerin guides the ball into the back of the net from distance for Arsenal's fifth and final goal

The Germany playmaker has impressed since his return from a knee injury, also scoring last weekend in the FA Cup win at Brighton.

'Mesut still lacks a little bit of competitive edge on sharpness, but the quality of his game is exceptional and he's getting back now,' Wenger said.

'He worked very, very hard physically and he's now ready to play again.'

Arsenal signed centre-half Gabriel Paulista last week from Villarreal, and the Brazilian was among the unused substitutes.

Wenger is not expecting a hectic final 24 hours of the transfer window.

'I don't think I will be busy,' he said.

'We have done what we wanted and, unless there is a huge surprise and somebody calls me, then why not? (But) at the moment, nothing. It's very quiet.'

Villa's players look dejected after failing to find the net in over 600minutes of football

Paul Lambert does not think Aston Villa deserved to lose by five goals at the Emirates

Villa boss Paul Lambert, meanwhile, was left with plenty of thinking to do following another poor display, his side having last scored a Premier League goal against Manchester United on December 20 - more than 600 minutes of football ago.

He said: 'You probably can't print the things I am thinking. We have been in this position for too long since I have been here.

'We do finishing and crossing in training every Friday, but when it comes onto the pitch you have to do it then.

'We are trying to get a goal and win a game, so we just have to keep working hard.'

Lambert, whose side are just three points above the drop zone, added: 'The keeper (David Ospina) made a good save from Andy's (Weimann) header and then we had Christian's (Benteke) chance, so those were big moments.

'I didn't think we deserved to lose 5-0. However, it is the score so we have to take it, but it is not good enough.'