We are under pressure to deliver - Wenger

WENGER

Arsene Wenger has called on Arsenal to play with freedom against Middlesbrough on Monday Night Football, admitting his side is under pressure to deliver results.

Wenger said it has been a difficult week following Arsenal's capitulation at Crystal Palace on Monday, but had "nothing" to add about his own immediate future.

"Bad moments are part of our job," Wenger said, reflecting on Arsenal's fourth consecutive Premier League away defeat. "You focus to prepare and make sure you respond.

"To play with restriction and the handbrake doesn't help. We are under pressure to deliver and the best way to do that is to play with freedom and accept the risk.

"We were beaten (by Crystal Palace). You have to face reality and respond. You can win, lose or draw but what we want to do is play with commitment and belief."

Calls for Wenger's departure from sections of Arsenal supporters returned during and after the 3-0 defeat at Selhurst Park but when asked on whether there had been any developments on his future, the Frenchman replied: "Nothing.

"I believe my relationship (with Stan Kroenke, Arsenal owner) has always been the same, it has not changed.

"I don't know. What happens above in the board is not down to me. I focus on what is important for me is the performance of the team and what the fans are interested in is the performance of the team."

Arsenal are seven points off the top four with eight games remaining and Wenger has called for one final push.

He said: "We might get there, we might not get there but the only thing to get there is to believe we can do it. That's what we have to focus on; it is not the fear to fail it is the desire to make it and that's the only chance we have to do it.

"It's a big challenge, of course.

"In football you have to accept that you can win, lose or draw but you have to make sure you perform in the next game and give absolutely everything."