Arsene Wenger says strong home form is absolutely essential for any side competing for the title.

The Gunners are three points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United ahead of Sunday’s clash at Emirates Stadium.

Wenger is confident his side can bounce back from their midweek defeat to Olympiacos and improve their home form this term.

“These are always tough games,” he said. “Man United always have big teams, the golden generation brought them many… but they won all their championships at home.

"If you analyse the number of championships Man United have won, it’s always at Old Trafford.

“Without home form, you don’t win the championship, that’s for sure. We have a big game at home and the advantage is to win the big game at home.

“It’s the first massive game for the top of the table. It’s at home and you want to win.”