MERINO: WE MUST BE SPECIAL

Mikel: We must forget recent blip, stay positive & win every gave

- ALAN SMITH

MIKEL MERINO has laid down the challenge to Arsenal's stars by admitting: "We have to win every game."

The Gunners are clinging on to their title hopes after letting another two points slip away to Chelsea on Sunday (Pedro Neto celebrates his equaliser, right).

And with Mikel Arteta's team nine points behind leaders Liverpool entering the international break, Arsenal have little margin for error less than a third of the way into the campaign.

But midfielder Merino insists the outlook remains positive in the dressing room and the squad is embracing the pressure despite taking only two points from their past four fixtures.