Earlier in the season, it seemed inconceivable that Arsenal would be heading out of the title race in March but the Gunners are now on the brink of fighting for a Champions League spot.

A win against Everton on Saturday would keep us just close enough to Leicester City to keep dreaming but a defeat would have us looking back and seeing West Ham United and Manchester United closing in.

Though it’s not what he’d have been hoping for, Arsène Wenger is wary that Champions League football isn’t secure after picking up three points in just two of our last nine league games.

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Arsenal’s title race hiccups could be so costly it leaves the team fighting for a top four place. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

“Behind us people move so we cannot stand still,” the boss said on Friday morning. “(West Ham) are a threat. They’ve had very positive results at home. They went to Manchester United in the FA Cup and drew 1-1. Do Arsenal have to look over their shoulder? Yes of course.”

The Frenchman is still chasing the league, no doubt about it, but recent form has allowed the sides outside of the top four to make ground up on us. While the pressure is on to win and stay close enough to Leicester to have a chance, we also have to make sure we don’t let anyone else into the top four at our expense should the season continue to go wrong.

“It’s very tight. I believe the Premier League is far from over but I agree we have to look behind us. We want to move forward but I’m conscious our position even where we are now isn’t secure.”