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LONDON, ENGLAND - ARSENE Wenger believes Arsenal can rescue a Champions League place from their disappointing season if his players start to think positively.
The misfiring Gunners face West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday after a dismal run of four successive goalless draws in the Premier League.
That barren spell has left Arsenal in fifth place and six points behind Aston Villa, who hold the last Champions League spot.
Wenger's side could have been in an even worse position but for Villa's late meltdown that forced them to settle for a 2-2 draw against Stoke on Sunday.
But the Arsenal manager refuses to contemplate the prospect of finishing outside the top four. He is convinced they can get back on track by following Manchester United's confident approach.
'They (United) don't think about it. The trophies flow in for them at the moment, so it is all natural for them,' Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.
'Even on Sunday in the League Cup final they were so convinced they would win it in the end because they have no doubt.
'They put themselves in that position - we were in that position as well, we just need to continue to focus.
'I believe the spirit of the team is great, the focus they have in training is great and they will be rewarded - I have never seen a team not being rewarded for that kind of spirit and quality.' While Arsenal's forwards have struggled to find the net in recent weeks, Wenger has taken heart from the way his defence - previously Arsenal's Achilles heal - has conceded just three goals in 12 matches.
Wenger believes such consistency at the back is a solid foundation on which to build.
'We want to keep the focus on that strength. We are in the final sprint of the season and you can see that it's vital and very, very important,' he said. 'You can only make results everywhere if you feel strong defensively.' -- AFP
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