Aaron Ramsey insists Arsenal's confidence has not been dented by their edgy 0-0 home draw with Everton on Tuesday night and he believes that a Champions League finish remains within their grasp.
It is the time of year when supporters scrutinise the permutations of the run-in and players are no different, with Ramsey noting the toughness of the upcoming fixtures for both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, not least the meeting between the rivals at Stamford Bridge on 8 May. It goes without saying that one club will drop points.
Ramsey, though, is focused on what Arsenal have to do and he says that if they can win at Fulham on Saturday, to end a key week with seven points from an available nine, they would be in a commanding position. Arsenal beat Norwich City at home last Saturday and the draw against Everton extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to five matches.
"It was important for us not to lose against Everton and we still have a lot of confidence," Ramsey said. "We were quite nervous in the first half and our final ball let us down but, overall, we were quite solid. We're looking forward to the weekend. Tottenham and Chelsea still have to play each other. They still have tough games. The teams are still going to drop points so we're positive and confident that we can finish in the top four.
"We always knew that this week was going to be a big week for us and hopefully now we can finish it off strongly and get a win at Fulham. That would put us in a really strong position."
Ramsey has rediscovered his best form in recent weeks and it is no coincidence that he is back to playing in central midfield. "I'm delighted with the way I'm playing and how the team is playing," he said. "It makes a big difference [being in central midfield]. That's my position and that's where I want to play.
"At the beginning of the season, I was moving all over the pitch, playing left-wing, right-wing, right-back. I was asked to do a job in many positions, which I'm happy to do for the team. If the manager wants me to play there, I'm not going to say no to that. But I've got my place back in the middle and my performances have been showing what I'm capable of doing there."
The Football Association will take no action following the fracas between Arsenal's Jack Wilshere and Everton's Kevin Mirallas on Tuesday. The pair clashed in the tunnel at half-time but the governing body is satisfied that it was nothing serious.