Arsenal deserve to be playing Champions League football because of the club’s status, according to Lucas Torreira.
The Gunners have failed to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition for the past two seasons.
Arsenal are three points off fourth-placed Chelsea after losing 3-1 to Manchester City on Sunday.
And Torreira admits Arsenal must improve their recent form, which has seen them take 10 points from a possible 21 and drop to sixth in the Premier League.
The Uruguay midfielder, 22, told Sky Sports: “Just a few weeks ago, (Manchester) United were obviously behind us but it’s happened and it’s something we have to deal with.
“We obviously don’t want that form to happen again. As players, you always need to be fighting for an objective when you walk out on to the pitch and for us that means qualifying for the Champions League.
“We know it’s not going to be easy, that’s for sure, because we are up against some great teams such as Chelsea and Manchester United but we need to try and stand firm as a team and as a group and battle in every game.
“The squad is focused on qualifying for the Champions League because a big club like Arsenal deserves to be playing in that competition.”
Arsenal will be looking to return to winning ways when they travel to relegation-threatened Huddersfield Town on Saturday.