Arteta - We can't dwell on the occasion

Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal team-mates to play their natural game on Tuesday night and not dwell on the magnitude of the occasion.

Anything less than a victory over Wigan Athletic will leave Arsene Wenger's side relying on favourable results elsewhere to book their place in the Champions League on the final weekend of the season.

But three points at Emirates Stadium will keep Arsenal's destiny in their own hands and Arteta says it's vital not to be distracted by what is at stake.

"I think we have to forget a little bit the external part of what the game means and just focus on the good things and the things that we did right on the pitch," he told Arsenal Player.

"If that is the case, I think the percentage of winning the games increases a lot. When you're thinking about other things, you can't really focus on what you're doing so that's why we have to try to manage [the game] tomorrow. For Wigan it's going to be a tough game mentally as well.

"What I like [to do] is take all that and put it in a motivation pack and use that motivation pack to carry yourself and give the best you have. [You want to] try to get the positive energy out of it, not to get yourself restricted and play with a bit of fear. That's the wrong way."

It could get tense on and off the pitch on Tuesday and Arteta hopes the Emirates crowd can play their part.

"It's going to be difficult and it helps when you have the fans behind you," he said.

"We have examples this year when they have been absolutely magnificent. You just play with an extra man. The confidence and belief they give you just throws you forward.

"That's what we need. We need to have an atmosphere. It's the last game of the season at home and I think people are going to be up for it."