Arsene Wenger has risked angering Arsenal fans by claiming that they should mirror the support of their rivals, including arch enemies Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners have come under fire of late following back-to-back defeats in the Premier League.

Arsenal were stunned by Watford in a 2-1 defeat and were then beaten 3-1 by league leaders Chelsea last weekend.

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Wenger has faced criticism from fans for some time, and during last Saturday's match at Stamford Bridge, some spectators held up signs calling for the Frenchman to leave his job.

The 67-year-old is unlikely to improve the fans' mood by suggesting that they should be more like Tottenham supporters and back the team.

The Mirror quotes Wenger as saying:

"Our fans have been consistent and have a high level of expectation as I do but I don't feel you can be a fan until last Tuesday and then not be behind the team any more - it doesn't make sense.

"All the other clubs, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, they have big expectations and big history. We are in a fight and we have to be united or we have no chance.

"You have Tottenham as well and everyone is behind their team and we have to do the same. Even if we have had two disappointed results I want the fans to be behind the team. Focus on what we do well. They were great players last Tuesday and they are still great players."

At the moment, Arsenal sit in fourth place, 12 points adrift of Chelsea in the league table.

They remain in contention for FA Cup and Champions League glory, but they face a fight to finish in the top four, with five points separating second from sixth.

As for Wenger, his future remains up in the air as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

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