Jack Wilshere urges Arsenal to improve record against big teams

Jack Wilshere has warned Arsenal that they must improve their record against the Premier League’s top sides if they want to challenge for next season’s title.

The Gunners picked up just two points from their six games against Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City last season after failing to produce in the crunch clashes.

Arsenal finished the campaign with the best form in the league, however, as they picked up 26 points from a possible 30 to secure a top-four finish and qualification for next season’s Champions League.

But Wilshere believes that results against the top teams, coupled with a strong start to the season, will allow Arsenal to mount a challenge for the 2013-14 title.

“The games earlier on don’t decide our season but we have got to think that we have to win them, because that is what champions do,” Wilshere told Arsenal Player.

“The likes of Manchester United go away and win games and leave you thinking, ‘they keep winning and winning’ and at the end of the season the points tally shows that.

“That is what we have to do [to challenge for the title], and we also have to improve our record against the big teams. It has not been great this season and if you want to become champions you have to beat those sides.”