Wenger wants Arsenal to start fast

Arsene Wenger says scoring early in games will be important if Arsenal are to qualify for the Champions League this season.

The Gunners are hoping to secure a top-four finish as they head into the latter stages of their Premier League campaign, with Norwich next on the fixture list at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger said it is important they continue their good recent form by starting well against the visitors this weekend, as it forces teams who set up to defend to change their tactics and style of play.

“Once we are in front the teams who usually defend against us have to come out and that gives us space to develop our game even better,” he told The Sun.

“That shows you that when we start our games in a positive way, we can dominate. It highlights just how important the confidence is to go into the games and to have a strong start.

“Our team has always developed a way to play that makes them stronger throughout the season.”

Arsenal sit fifth in the Premier League table, two points behind Tottenham and Chelsea in the race for fourth but hold a game in hand over their north London rivals.

After Norwich, they face Everton, who still hold faint hopes of finishing in the top four, before rounding off their season with matches against Fulham, league leaders Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers, Wigan and Newcastle.