Wenger tells Everton: My Arsenal will beat you to fourth place

Arsene Wenger is convinced that his Arsenal side will respond in the closing stages of the season and pip Everton to a top-four finish.

The Toffees leapfrogged the Gunners into fourth place on Saturday as a 1-0 victory at Sunderland extended their winning run to seven games.

I think if we win our games we will finish in front

Arsene Wenger

But Wenger, whose side booked their place in the FA Cup final with a penalty shoot-out win over Wigan Athletic on Saturday, is certain that the north London club will again secure qualification for the Champions League.

“I didn’t even know the [Everton] result and I think if we win our games we will finish in front,” said Wenger on Saturday.

“For us it’s important now to focus on the Premier League and if we do that well I’m confident we will come back.

“On top of that we have a target now for the end of the season. We have a final in the FA Cup but we now have a period where we can concentrate on the Premier League.”

Wenger also reserved special praise for Wembley hero Lukasz Fabianski after the Polish goalkeeper saved two Wigan penalties to help the Gunners beat the Latics after a 1-1 draw.

“He did very well,” said Wenger. “I think he’s a good goalkeeper and he has shown that again today.

“During the game, even on the penalty they scored he went the right way. He’s quick and in the penalties of course he put us in quite a comfortable way and into a good position.”