Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has admitted that tiredness may be the reason for the team's recent poor run of form, on the eve of their biggest game of the season.
The Gunners have lost three Premier League matches on the bounce to lie in fifth place in the table and needing to win their last two games against Brighton (H) and Burnley (A) while hoping that Chelsea drop points if they are to finish in the top four.
Their other possible route into next season's Champions League is by winning the Europa League but their path to that final is blocked by a strong Valencia side whom they take on tomorrow night in the first leg of their semi-final at the Emirates.
"No I don't think it's mentality because we want to fight in every game," insisted Koscielny when asked about their bad results away from home.
Arsenal have lost eight league matches on the road this season while they have also suffered embarrassing losses to BATE Borisov and Rennes in the away legs of their Europa League knockout ties.
"Everyone said against Napoli (in the quarter-finals) it would be hard to win away [but] we did it because everyone fought on the pitch for 90 minutes.
"It was not easy. When you are all together and focused and go the same way, it is easier," added the France international, overlooking the Serie A side's own run of bad form.
Since February, Napoli have lost to Atalanta and drawn against 10-man Genoa and Torino at home as well as losing at relegation threatened Empoli and drawing away to mid-table Sassuolo.
However, Koscielny did offer the explanation that it is possible the long hard season is starting to catch up with Unai Emery's players.
"After we play so many games in the last month so maybe as well we are a little bit tired. But now we are in the final sprint and we need to be more consistent and fresh as well in our health.
"Because it's like this, if we want to finish stronger this season."
Unfortnately for Aaron Ramsey, a hamstring injury has ruled the Juventus-bound midfielder out of the last few games while Mesut Ozil is a doubt for tomorrow's game with a foot problem.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
