Arsene Wenger: Arsenal have been LUCKY against West Ham in recent seasons

The Gunners are unbeaten against the Hammers in their last 14 fixtures together, winning 12 of those.

And while Wenger believes his side have been ‘consistent’ against Sam Allardyce’s side, he concedes there has been an element of luck involved.

He said: “We have been consistent against West Ham, especially at the Emirates. We are consistent against everybody [at Emirates Stadium] but away from home we have been successful against West Ham recently.

“It’s very difficult to know why, on two or three occasions we have been lucky as well.

“When you look at the table every point is important now and our home form will be decisive as well. At the end of the day we have six home games and every game is vital now.”

Monday night's 2-1 FA Cup victory over Manchester United has been a boost to the whole squad, but Wenger knows his players must remain grounded for Saturday's home clash with the Hammers (3pm).

On the mood around his squad, Wenger said: “Good, as you can imagine, but focused as well because we know every single game is a decisive game now. We are already looking forward to the next game.”

Wenger has singled out former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song as one of the Hammers' key players this term.

“He looks extremely focused and motivated,” Wenger said. “I brought him here when he was not 17 years old, so I know how good he is.

“West Ham had a very strong start to the season and he was one of the influential players in there, with the strikers Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia, and the repositioning of Stewart Downing.”

Wenger also believes the experience of 60-year-old Allardyce is likely to influence the outcome of Saturday's match.

The Upton Park boss is the second-longest serving manager in the Premier League, behind Wenger.

“He has done extremely well to last in this game for a long time,” Wenger said of Allardyce. “He has a big experience and that plays a part in these types of games.”

Wenger admits the race for a top-four spot becomes harder each year, but a challenge he relishes.

“Every year it gets more difficult because you have more teams who can compete for [the top four],” he said. “In future years it will be even harder.

“I like it because every game is important and you feel it is a period where you need composure, focus and mental strength. It is interesting to watch your players and see how they respond to that.”