Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta has called for calm ahead of two key fixtures for the team.

The Gunners host Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday before they entertain Group D rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League four days later.

Arsene Wenger's side have struggled for consistency so far this season, but Arteta believes that a patient approach will benefit them come the end of the campaign.

"We have two games, against Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund, at home and if we get the crowd with us from the start and get the results then it will be a very different story again," he told the club's official website.

"It is a rollercoaster at the moment but we need to manage the emotion because this is a long-term situation and we need to be where we want to be in April and May, so let's be patient."

Arsenal are currently in sixth place in the Premier League table, 12 points behind leaders Chelsea