After throwing two points away and slipping further behind Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur last week, Arsène Wenger is desperate to see more mental strength from his players.

Though it may feel like it is coming to a bleak end, the rest of the season remains important as Arsenal need to pick up points to secure Champions League qualification.

In order to keep our fate in our own hands, form has to improve.

“We have to show some mental quality and show that we have the quality to believe and fight for our club until the last minute,” said Arsène Wenger on Friday.

Then, when prompted by a slightly leading question from a Sky Sports reporter, Wenger admitted last weekend wasn’t all bad despite the way Arsenal surrendered a two-goal lead at Upton Park.

“West Ham have beaten many teams at home, many big teams.

“We were not happy with the result because we conceded three goals and we were 2-0 up but on the other hand we have shown resilience and came back to 3-3 when we were in a desperate position.”

That, however, isn’t satisfactory.

“But we wanted three points and I think it was possible. When you are 2-0 after 43 minutes and you’re down to 2-2 after 45 you’re always frustrated.”

It was nice of the journalist to try and get Wenger to say Arsenal deserved credit for last weekend but the Arsenal boss was never likely to fall into that trap. Ahead of the visit of Crystal Palace the manager is right: the players must focus and show belief in their abilities.