Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has described his team's season so far as a "remarkable achievement" and has challenged his players to finish it strongly.

The Gunners' start to the campaign was their worst in Premier League history, conceding 14 goals and claiming just four points from their opening five matches.

However, eight wins out of nine prior to Monday night's shock home defeat to Wigan Athletic had propelled the Londoners into third place in the Premier League table.

The Frenchman is now urging his players to reproduce their fine form in their final four games.

He said: "After losing four games in the first seven, to be where we are today is a remarkable achievement.

"Now our target must be to better what we did last season.

"A strong finish will be important for that reason, and also to give us the belief to enter 2012/2013 with confidence."

Arsenal face Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.