Wenger: Arsenal's annual end of season nail-biting is good

Arsene Wenger believes yet more last-day tension will benefit his Arsenal side.

While it may not be as nerve-shredding as in previous years, the Gunners do still have plenty to play for when they host West Brom on Sunday afternoon.

A top four place is already assured going into the final round of Premier League fixtures.

But Wednesday’s goalless draw with Sunderland means they still need a point against the in-form Baggies to clinch third spot and direct entry into the Champions League group stages, avoiding an early-season play-off in the process.

Defeat to the Baggies could, although the prospect would require a huge goal-difference swing, allow Manchester United - away to relegation candidates Hull - to win the race for third by a nose.

With an FA Cup Final against Aston Villa to come next Saturday, Wenger is pleased his Cup holders can’t afford to switch off in their league finale.

He said: “Yes, we are in the top four but mathematically we are not in the top three and we have to finish the job.

“Every season, and now again, we have to focus until the last minute. Sometimes you would like to play a game with no pressure but finally when you have one you get bored - so at least we have to keep the concentration, and it’s better.

“It’s better [with the FA Cup final to play]. Always when you switch off, it is difficult to switch on again. You always think we will switch on but it is not like that. When you switch off it is always difficult to switch on again. It is not like when you switch on a light.”

The goals have dried up for the Gunners recently. They face Tony Pulis’ side - who beat new champions Chelsea 3-0 on Monday - having failed to score in their last three home games.