Wenger - We’ve handled the pressure well

Arsene Wenger has hailed his side’s ability to handle the pressure this season.

The Gunners head into Sunday’s final match of the season at Newcastle United knowing that a victory would secure a top-four place.

Any slip-up could be pounced upon by neighbours Tottenham, but Wenger is confident his players will not let the situation get to them.

“Yes [I am impressed with the way they have handled the pressure],” he said. “It was 1-1 against Wigan and we were a bit edgy for part of the second half but after we finished in a very strong way.

“The resources are there mentally and physically. We have played for a long time under pressure now. Let's just finish the job.

“This team suffered for a very long time from a lack of confidence because you take the talisman away - Robin van Persie - and get the new players in. Then you lose the first big games and suddenly we are faced with scepticism around the team.

“You could see that. That was the problem and balancing the team took a while, to find a formula to have a good balance in the team. Since this has been back we have been very efficient.

“The Bayern Munich away game was very important, you could feel after that we could do it. I never felt this team lacked focus or desire to do well but we lacked confidence for a while.”

Arsenal were seven points behind Tottenham following their north London derby defeat at the start of March, but have fought back and now hold a one-point advantage.

“It's a big comeback - and you cannot say Tottenham have not done well recently,” Wenger said. “They won their games. We needed not to lose a game anymore.

“I don't know how much psychological advantage we have. What is important is how much effort we put into the game on Sunday.

“The only advantage we have is that our fate depends on our result. We don't look at Tottenham. I am not concerned by that. It's just 'let us win the game'.”