'Next two games season-defining for Arsenal' - Sutton

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Arsenal "could do with a performance" on Wednesday against Sporting before travelling to Manchester City on Sunday as Mikel Arteta's side prepare for a "season-defining" five days, says former Premier League striker Chris Sutton.

The Gunners have lost three of their past four games in all competitions but have the opportunity to set up a Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid when they host Portuguese side Sporting with a 1-0 first leg advantage.

"What Arsenal players must not do is look ahead to the game at the weekend against Manchester City," Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"They have to concentrate on the game tonight, that's really important.

"They could do with a win of course, but they could do with a performance - especially in that final third. It all just seems a bit flat and clunky at this moment in time.

"If you're an Arsenal fan, you're nervy. It's been a great season up until now but these next two games in five days are season-defining for them.

"Tonight is a massive night for Arsenal. Can they hold their nerve? I think they will go through against a Sporting side who are capable, and then go on to Sunday.

"They mustn't look too far ahead and just try to get their attack clicking, score some goals and go into Sunday with a bit of a buzz.

"There were alarm bells ringing after the Bournemouth game but Bournemouth are a good team. Everybody thinks Manchester City are now the team to beat but the game on Sunday is absolutely enormous.

"It wouldn't be a great surprise to me if Arsenal went to the Etihad and got a result. I don't think Arsenal are as bad as what people are making out. They are more than capable, they are top of the league, they have been flying in the Champions League and they just need to hold their nerve.

"I think they will."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds from 07:20

[BBC]