Published: 4 February, 2016
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENE Wenger is calling on his charges to be more ruthless in front of goal on Sunday when their faltering Premier League campaign pulls into Bournemouth. 

The Gunners have taken just six points out of a possible 15 in the league so far this year and, as a result, have slipped from being top of the table to fourth, behind Leicester City, Manchester City and, more worryingly, north London rivals Tottenham. 

Wenger admits that Arsenal “lacked conviction” in their last outing against Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. 

The Frenchman added that the side “needs to look” at itself and that the players shouldn’t be “satisfied” with the goalless draw. 

“We came out with a 0-0. With the experience we have in our team that’s disappointing,” he said. “It’s frustrating because we put a lot of energy into the game. We created a lot of chances and couldn’t finish them. 

“I think we have to look at ourselves and start to finish with a bit more conviction.

“Two points were dropped because of our failure to take the chances against Southampton. 

“What is terrible is that our performances this year are not bad,” Wenger added. “That is worrying because with the quality of the performances we had, we didn’t take the points and that’s very difficult for the players to take as well. 

“We put the energy in. We create chances but, at the end of the day, we come away with no goals. It’s very disappointing. The team is strong. We have to look at ourselves and not be satisfied.” 

Wenger admitted that his side are now playing catch-up in the title race, and said his team is “dreaming” if they think they can close the gap without winning games. 

“Leicester won again on Tuesday and now I am sure that everybody will take them very seriously, especially in the media, so they will be under pressure as well,” he said. 

“But we have not to look too much at Leicester or Man City, we have to win football games. We have to focus on how to respond quickly and win against Bournemouth, that’s all we can do. 

“It’s a dream to think you will catch the others if you do not win your games. In the past three games we have taken two points.”