Arsene Wenger Admits Arsenal are Wary of Everton's Top Four Push

Arsene Wenger has admitted Arsenal are now looking over their shoulder as Everton's revived push for a Champions League spot gains momentum.

Mathieu Flamini's last minute own goal saw the Gunners drop two much needed points against Swansea City in Tuesday's 2-2 draw at the Emirates while Roberto Martinez's side strolled to a 3-0 win over Newcastle United.

Everton are now just six points off fourth-placed Arsenal with a game in hand and also welcome Wenger's faltering side to Goodison Park in a pivotal fixture on April 6. Having seen his side's title aspirations dealt significant blows in recent weeks, the Gunners boss admits they may face a battle to hold onto fourth spot.

"We have to look behind us; of course, we also have took in front of us, but as well behind us," Wenger told reporters following his side's draw at the Emirates, the Mirror reports.

"Everton won, so we have to focus and prepare well for the next game. It will be open until the end, we can still have surprises.

"The result is very disappointing but the spirit we put in and the effort we put in was great. We have to take it on the chin."

Everton's Champions League charge under Martinez was emphasised through an overpowering performance at St James' Park where Ross Barkley strengthened his World Cup credentials with a superb solo goal. The 20-year-old has been capped for England three times already and his manager believes his inclusion in Roy Hodgson's squad is now a certainty.

"All I can say is Ross is ready to help the national team, and nothing will faze him," Martinez said. "He has such a variety of strengths. He can do things only top players can do. I don't think he has a like-for-like as a footballer.

"Sometimes he does things that remind you of Michael Ballack, at times it's Paul Gascoigne. Technically, he is as gifted as you are going to see. But what shocks you is the physicality that goes with it."