Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has said that the coming week will shape the remainder of the club's season.
The Frenchman, whose team face a trip to the Stadium of Light in Premier League action later this afternoon, will travel to Milan in midweek for the first leg of their Champions League tie before returning to Sunderland in the FA Cup next weekend.
However, Wenger is confident that his side will emerge on a high.
"We go into a period that will decide our season," he said. "I think it is that important because in one week we have three games in three different competitions.
"In each single competition we are, of course, in a position where we want to win our games. It did not come off [last season] because one big disappointment can have a consequence on the next one.
"It makes me confident [this time] because I feel the team has the mental strength and a fantastic attitude on a daily basis and learned from last year."
Arsenal will look to maintain their momentum following a 7-1 win over Blackburn last weekend.
