Wenger wary of aerial Trotters March 28 2008
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal must guard against an aerial bombardment when they head to relegation battlers Bolton on Saturday.
The Gunners have paid a high price for some poor defensive displays in recent weeks, picking up only four points from five Premier League games.
That has seen the title challengers drop off the top of the table with both Manchester United and Chelsea overtaking them.
At Stamford Bridge last weekend, Wenger's charges failed to deal with the threat of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka as the Blues came from behind to win 2-1.
The north Londoners have not enjoyed the best of returns from their trips to the Reebok Stadium. Their last three league visits have ended in defeat, although they did win there in the FA Cup last season.
Despite the Trotters struggling at the wrong end of the table this term, with key striker Anelka sold to Chelsea, Wenger still expects Gary Megson's men to provide a stern physical examination of his side's fading title credentials.
"We will be tested in the air because a team which has a lack of confidence takes less risks," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.
"We want to play our game, which is why I am convinced it will be down to our football - but also our mental strength and our resilience on the day."
The Frenchman maintained: "Bolton are a good side and I have seen quality games from them, but the Premier League is so good now that once you drop your confidence you are quickly vulnerable.
"We just have to expect them to be as they were before, to prepare mentally for that kind of game and then hopefully we will have a good surprise."
The significance of securing victory is not lost on the Arsenal manager, both in terms of positive preparation for the resumption of their European campaign against Liverpool as well as boosting any lingering championship ambitions.
"The moments in the game are just not going for us, and that is where we want to show big mental strength to push it through and get things going for us again," said Wenger.
"It is very important for us to get back to winning games, not to dream and be realistic. We need to win our next game and see where we go from there. The most important thing is to give everything to win the next one."
Wenger knows the margins for error are now slim if his team are to get back to the top come May.
He noted: "It will take seven wins, certainly, or maybe six and a draw. First, though, we have to come back to consistent performances."