Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to develop ‘killer instinct’ in battle for Champions League return

Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal team to develop a “killer instinct” as they hunt down a spot in next season’s Champions League.

Arsenal are currently sat sixth in the Premier League, but they are just two points off Manchester United in fourth and they have three games in hand on them.

The Gunners have duly set their sights on qualifying for the Champions League and they are back in action on Sunday, when they travel to Watford.

Arteta believes his side can finish in the top four, but he wants them to be more consistent and develop the ruthless streak that top teams have.

Arsenal’s form has been known to fluctuate, with their poor January being followed by three wins on the spin in February, for example.

“That’s what the Premier League winners don’t have – they have good, good, very good, very good, very good,” said Arteta.

“That’s what we have to achieve. That’s why we’re still not there and consistency is a big word – not that much related to performances but as well how you’re able to get results.

“The best teams have a killer instinct, and a mentality that is: here is only winning. Win today, tomorrow, the next day’s training and the following one.

“That culture and that education has to be set. It takes a little bit of time and that’s what we need.

“The moment that is instilled, not only in the players but the staff around you – the coaches, the club, the director, the board and the crowd - then it is extremely powerful.

“Hopefully we are on the road but we’re not there. And obviously we are on a road that is much quicker and wider than before because the teams here used to win the league with 85, 86 points.

“Now to win the league you might need 100 points, so that’s a different dimension of a league.”