Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal can still win the Premier League title as long as his players find a way to control their nerves.
Wenger's side have fallen six points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United with only five matches to go after squandering leads against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in the past week.
Arsenal's failure to close out matches so often this season has led many pundits to claim Wenger's players lack the mental strength to be champions.
The Frenchman concedes that the constant criticism has made it particularly hard for his defenders to keep their composure and he is working hard to restore their belief.
"It is a vicious circle problem and you can only deal with that calmly and by dominating your nerves," Wenger said yesterday. "Our defenders are under pressure because they are criticised for not holding on for results; that makes the problem a little bit worse.
"I feel what is important is to continue to play, whatever the score is. I feel we need to keep our nerves more and communicate better.
"We try to get the players to focus on continuing to play in a calm way, but we must as well give some credit to the opponents. We are on a 16-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, so at least we don't have a losing mentality. It's down to us to transform the draws into a winning habit."
Arsenal could be nine points behind United by the time they face Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium tomorrow. However, Wenger is convinced five wins in their remaining fixtures - which includes a showdown with United at Emirates Stadium - will be enough for a first title since 2004.
"I am convinced that if we win our five games we will win the championship," Wenger said.
"But the target is to win the next one and let's focus, give absolutely everything to do it.
"We have played 16 games without losing. What I feel is most important for us is to keep the belief and to win. This championship will go to the most solid team, mentally, not necessarily to anybody else.
"The mental part of the belief is the most important thing to have in the last five games, so let's have it already in the next game."
Wenger has been an animated and at times anguished figure on the touchline in recent weeks.
He had a heated exchange with the Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish at the final whistle last weekend and went on to the pitch to confront officials over the amount of added time, but insists he cannot help but get involved.
"I care about the game and I'm motivated to win the game and agitated, yes."
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A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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DRIVERS' CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
1. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) 171 points
2. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP) 151
3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes-GP) 136
4. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull Racing) 107
5. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) 83
6. Sergio Perez (Force India) 50
7. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) 45
8. Esteban Ocon (Force India) 39
9. Carlos Sainz (Torro Rosso) 29
10. Felipe Massa (Williams) 22
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Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
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David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
China and the UAE agree comprehensive strategic partnership
China and the UAE forged even closer links between the two countries during the landmark state visit after finalising a ten-point agreement on a range of issues, from international affairs to the economy and trade and renewable energy.
1. Politics: The two countries agreed to support each other on issues of security and to work together on regional and international challenges. The nations also confirmed that the number of high-level state visits between China and the UAE will increase.
2. Economy: The UAE offers its full support to China's Belt and Road Initiative, which will combine a land 'economic belt" and a "maritime silk road" that will link China with the Arabian Gulf as well as Southeast, South and Central China, North Africa and, eventually, Europe.
3. Business and innovation: The two nations are committed to exploring new partnerships in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, energy, the aviation and transport industries and have vowed to build economic co-operation through the UAE-China Business Committee.
4. Education, science and technology: The Partnership Programme between Arab countries in Science and Technology will encourage young Emirati scientists to conduct research in China, while the nations will work together on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, renewable energy and space projects.
5. Renewable energy and water: The two countries will partner to develop renewable energy schemes and work to reduce climate change. The nations have also reiterated their support for the Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency.
6. Oil and gas: The UAE and China will work in partnership in the crude oil trade and the exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources.
7. Military and law enforcement and security fields: Joint training will take place between the Chinese and UAE armed forces, while the two nations will step up efforts to combat terrorism and organised crime.
8. Culture and humanitarian issues: Joint cultural projects will be developed and partnerships will be cultivated on the preservation of heritage, contemporary art and tourism.
9. Movement between countries: China and the UAE made clear their intent to encourage travel between the countries through a wide-ranging visa waiver agreement.
10. Implementing the strategic partnership: The Intergovernmental Co-operation Committee, established last year, will be used to ensure the objectives of the partnership are implemented.
