Wenger: Arsenal must banish fear factor

Arsene Wenger has told his Arsenal stars to banish the fear factor as the struggling Gunners try to secure a first place finish in their UEFA Champions League group. Wenger's side travel to Olympiakos on Tuesday in desperate need of a morale-boosting victory after Saturday's 2-0 home defeat against Swansea left the north London club teetering on the brink of a full-blown crisis. Arsenal, languishing in 10th place, have made their worst start to a Premier League season in Wenger's 16-year reign and the sense that their club is in decline has prompted a furious response from Gunners fans. Some supporters staged a protest march before the Swansea match to underline their frustration at the Arsenal board's failure to back Wenger in the transfer market, while many more unleashed a torrent of abuse at the Frenchman and his players after the final whistle. In the circumstances, Arsenal could do with a win in Athens which, combined with a draw or defeat for Schalke at Montpellier, would allow Wenger's men, who have already qualified for knockout stages, to snatch top spot and secure a potentially easier draw in the last 16. From:FIFA