Wenger wants last five high

ARSENE WENGER accepts it is a “vicious circle” when his Arsenal team face continual questions about their mental strength, but has no doubt they have the character to win their last five matches and be crowned Premier League champions.

The Gunners slipped to third in the table after they failed to hold onto a 3-1 lead at Tottenham in midweek.

It was a frustrating fifth draw from the last eight games, although it extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 16.

Wenger has again been forced to defend the make-up of his young team, which has a habit of not closing out winning positions, including after being 1-0 up with a stoppage-time penalty against Liverpool last weekend.

And he believes the constant scrutiny from media and fans can filter through to the players, thus having a double negative impact.

“It is a vicious circle problem and you can only deal with that calmly and by dominating your nerves,” said Wenger.

“I feel we need to keep our nerves more and communicate better.

“We are on a 16-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, so at least we don’t have a losing mentality. It’s down to us to transform the draws into a winning habit.”

Arsenal head to Bolton tomorrow, by which time they could have fallen further behind Manchester United, whom they currently trail by six points, and Chelsea, in second place on goal difference, who both play today.

However, Wenger is convinced five wins in their remaining fixtures — which includes a showdown with United at the Emirates on May 1 — will be enough for a first title since the Invincibles season of 2003/2004.

“I am convinced that if we win our five games we will win the championship,” Wenger said. “But the target is to win the next one and let’s focus, give absolutely everything to do it.’’

Wenger has been an animated figure on the touchline in recent weeks, sharing the frustrations of supporters as crucial points slipped away.

He had a heated exchange with Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish at the final whistle last weekend and went onto the pitch to confront officials over the amount of added time, but insists he cannot help but feel involved.

Wenger said: “I cannot sit there and be placid like I am on dope.

“I care about the game and I’m motivated to win the game and agitated, yes, but it is one thing to be agitated and in control of your decisions and be lucid, or be completely out of control.

“I am not out of control. I am agitated because I want my team to win the game. Of course I am and I am ready to fight, believe me.”