There were some surprising admissions form Alexis Sánchez after Wednesday’s defeat to Swansea City.

Speaking to the press immediately after the game, the out of form Chilean admitted Arsenal are lacking the hunger to win the title, that the players aren’t determined enough.

“You have to take these statements a bit into perspective,” Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said on Friday morning. “I believe that belief comes with the last results and maybe our confidence has been a bit jaded.”

Since beating Leicester City, the Gunners are winless in four games and have lost their last three, though one came against Barcelona. Still, Premier League defeats to Manchester United and Swansea City have left our title hopes looking bleak.

 LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: Ashley Williams and Jordi Amat of Swansea City celebrate at the final whistle after the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Swansea City at the Emirates Stadium on March 2, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Arsenal have to get back on track fast after another disappointment on Wednesday. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

However, Wenger thinks we are closer than most seem to realise to being on the right track.

“It’s like always in football, we do 98% of things right and we have to add the 2% that are down to finding back our collective qualities and putting even more effort in.”

I really don’t think effort is the issue, and I wouldn’t agree that 98% of things are right at the moment. Nonetheless, the boss has to keep his players upbeat and if this is the way to do it then go ahead, keep saying these things.

Fingers crossed the performance is better on Saturday but, more importantly, hopefully the result is. That has to be 100% right.