Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger called on his side to show more defensive resilience as they face a north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday.
Wenger has been frustrated by recent performances that have seen his side throw away two-goals leads in successive matches.
After a decent start to the season, they have own just one of the last four league games and lie eighth.
“There are good ingredients in this team, a good spirit, but we need a bit more defensively when we are leading the game,” Wenger said.
“At the moment, we do not get the points we want. Of course, we now do not have to waste any more time, but I still feel there is good potential in our side.”
Spurs have also wobbled of late, losing three of their last four games, but assistant manager Stefan Freund, who played for Spurs between 1998 and 2003, insisted they are on the verge of becoming north London’s preeminent team.
“Spurs are really close to Arsenal,” he said. “We are definitely in a better position.
“In my time they used to be involved in the title race every year and we finished ninth or 10th. That has changed now. We are really close to our biggest rival.”
League leaders Manchester United travel to Norwich City in the tea-time kick-off, while champions Manchester City are home to Aston Villa.
City boss Roberto Mancini urged his players to keep their faith in him and themselves despite criticism of recent performances, especially in the Champions League.
“There are some moments during any season when you don’t play well, you might concede goals you didn’t concede last year or maybe you are missing three or four important players,” said Mancini.
“At these moments it is important to stay calm and work hard. In football things can change quickly.”
Third-placed Chelsea go to high-flying West Bromwich Albion, who are managed by their former assistant manager Steve Clarke.
Reading look for their first win of the season at home to fourth-placed Everton, while struggling Queen’s Park Rangers, who are also without a victory, face a must-win game at home to second-bottom Southampton.
Both managers are under pressure in that game, but Southampton midfielder Jack Cork backed his boss Nigel Adkins.
“The gaffer has done great here these two years,” he said. “The lads have always given their all over these two years and they’re not going to stop doing it now.”
Liverpool host Wigan Athletic and Newcastle United entertain Swansea City in Saturday’s other games, while the Sunday afternoon clash sees Sunderland, with just one win this season, travel to Fulham. West Ham United face Stoke City on Monday.
