Wenger calls for Arsenal calm in top four race

Posted Monday, April 23, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants his side to return to its quick, free-flowing style of football to help ensure its qualification for next season's Champions League.

The Frenchman’s team remains in third place in the Premier League after the draw at the Emirates Stadium, but Newcastle is now three points behind with a game in hand.

And Wenger expressed his frustration at the tempo his side played at, as well as the tactics of its opponents.

"It is not all negative because we played against a Chelsea team who decided to lock the game and try to catch us on the break,” he said. "We didn't pass the ball quickly enough. Chelsea are experienced enough to force you to play the ball where they want you to play it. We could not open them up enough and our change of pace in the game was not good enough."

And despite Saturday’s draw and last Monday’s shock home reverse against Wigan, Wenger insists his side are still well placed to finish in the top four this season.

"We are still in the driving seat but of course we have to win our next three games," the 62-year-old added. "My players have shown a lot of character, but we lacked just a bit of what is usually our strength, which is the speed of our passing to open teams up with our combination play."

The Gunners have away games at Stoke and West Brom either side of a home clash with Norwich as they seek to secure Champions League football for next season.