Facing the media on Tuesday, Laurent Koscielny was asked a number of questions about Arsenal’s current form.

At Christmas, the Gunners were at the top of the Premier League and a situation where we dropped out of the title race was unthinkable. Now, though, every point is invaluable as we hope to claw our way back into the fight.

The France centre-back is on international duty for the week and was on press duty with the national team prior to the game against the Netherlands. Asked about the current situation at Arsenal, the defender was quick to defend the team and the manager.

France's defender Laurent Koscielny gives a press conference in Clairefontaine en Yvelines on March 22, 2016, ahead of the friendly football match against Netherland to be held on March 25. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
France’s defender Laurent Koscielny gives a press conference in Clairefontaine en Yvelines on March 22, 2016, ahead of the friendly football match against Netherland to be held on March 25. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

A poor run of results in February and March have left Arsenal out of the FA Cup and Champions League and 11 points from the summit of the Premier League, but Koscielny feels injuries are the main reason for poor form.

“We are having a difficult time. Our first half of the season was more than correct,” said the defender. “When February comes, we always get many injuries. When we are missing Cazorla and Welbeck, it is difficult to compete with other teams.

“We have to go back to the basics. We cannot make any more mistakes. Playing good (aesthetic) football will not be enough to win games. The most important thing is to grab all the available points.”

So far from Leicester City with just eight games remaining, Arsenal can’t afford to slip up again and it’s good to know the players are aware of that.