Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has revealed that the fear of missing out on the Champions League next season is motivating the players to secure the club's return to the competition.

The Gunners moved back above rivals Tottenham Hotspur into fourth in the Premier League on Tuesday following a 4-1 win over Wigan Athletic at the Emirates.

Victory at Newcastle United on Sunday will earn Arsenal a 16th successive season in Europe's elite competition, and Walcott says that the players are full of belief heading into the clash.

"The Champions League is big for the future of the club and the players," Walcott told ESPN. "We have been in it for the last 15 years and we don't want to be the players who are not part of that.

"We just have great experience in knowing what to do when the time is right. It happens every year and we tend to finish very strong. I think it is just because the players want it so much.

"It was a massive three points [against Wigan]. It is going to be a tough game at Newcastle, but we want to upset them and try to qualify for the Champions League."

Arsenal travel to Newcastle on Sunday.