Wenger focused on Gunners run-in

Arsene Wenger insists his focus is on Arsenal’s end of season rather than his own future at the Emirates Stadium.

With the Gunners struggling to make the top four for the first time since the Frenchman took over, there has been increased speculation that Wenger might call time on his 20 years at the club.

A 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday leaves Arsenal sixth in the table with eight games to go, having lost their last four games away from home.

Next up is a trip to struggling Middlesbrough, and Wenger insists that must be his next priority, rather than a possible new contract at the club.

(Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

He said: “In the final part of the season, with eight games to go, it’s difficult when you get distracted.

“We have to focus on the right things. In the summer, you have a longer period for the club to negotiate and plan the future.

“I focus on what is important for me, that is the performance of the team and what the fans are interested in is the performance of the team.

“We spend a lot of time in our society focusing on things that are superficial and not taking care of the essentials.

“The essential in football is that we have to make sure of one thing. Good players on the football pitch. That’s what we have to take care of.”