Jack Wilshere insists Arsenal cannot go easy in the Premier League and believes finishing the domestic season strongly could help the Gunners lift the Europa League.
Arsenal are 13 points adrift of the top four as their search for an immediate return to the Champions League has faltered massively in recent weeks.
Arsene Wenger’s side have lost five of their last seven games in all competitions but returned to form to beat AC Milan in the first leg of their last-16 Europa League clash in Italy on Thursday.
That means winning the Europa League, as Manchester United did last year, presents the best chance of securing a place in Europe’s top competition next term.
But, with Watford visiting the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, Wilshere reckons Arsenal cannot afford to let their Premier League campaign close with a whimper.
“We can’t just give up on the Premier League,” he said.
“We have got to keep fighting in there and get as many points as possible to give ourselves the best chance if anyone does slip up.
“That doesn’t look likely, but we need to be ready to pounce if they do. I think it can help us in this competition as well, if we keep the wins up and playing like this then we have a chance.”
Meanwhile, Danny Welbeck wants to maintain the levels shown at the San Siro, where they shocked their hosts with a 2-0 win.
He told Arsenal.com: “We want to improve but you do go home, look at yourself and say ‘how can I put things right?’
“I think the minimum requirement is to stand and fight in every single area of the pitch. We know that our quality will shine through in the end.
“It’s not just the football, there’s good times and you get praised for them, and there’s bad times where you get negative criticism but you’ve got to take it.
“You’ve got to look at yourself and see how you can improve on these situations.”
