Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs believes that matches during the Christmas and New Year period will be crucial for them for the rest of the season.

The Gunners are currently third in the Premier League with 30 points from 18 matches.

"It's really important that everyone stays focused now," Gibbs told Arsenal's official website.

"This is the busiest part of the season and if we can keep everyone together through this period and get good results under our belt, it puts us in a strong position for the rest of the season.

"You can see that players will start to get tired. Players who have played in almost every game need to be rested sometimes and this is the time to do that. This is the time for the other players to come and give their part for the team."

Arsenal defeated Wigan Athletic 1-0 away from home on Saturday.