• Champions League

Just give me a little bit more, pleads Wenger

Birthday boy Arsene Wenger wants just one present from his Arsenal players on Wednesday: To "give a fraction more" and kick-start their season.

Arsenal have only won four of 13 games in all competitions this season - including just two in the Premier League. But it is in the Champions League where they have shined, and Wenger is confident they can take that form into their domestic campaign.

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"Look, we have lost only one game in the Premier League but we have not enough points with what we produced," he told Arsenal.com.

"Top level performance is to make the maximum with your potential and sometimes in games you need a fraction more.

"That's what we want to do - give a fraction more to be really efficient in what we do."

Arsenal's Champions League tie with Andelecht on Wednesday coincides with Wenger's 65th birthday, but the Frenchman stresses that his advancing years are not diminishing his ambition to win more major honours.

His side are 11 points behind leaders Chelsea after just eight games, but Wenger has claimed he is "more motivated, more than ever."

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Emiliano Martinez will play his first game for Arsenal in two years © Getty Images

• Arsene Wenger has told his Arsenal defenders they must protect rookie goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in Wednesday's Champions League tie against Anderlecht.
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He added: "Do I feel young? No, my age is my age. You have to live with that. Until now I am lucky to be in shape, but the desire and motivation is stronger than ever.

"My energies are only driven by that. I want the club and the team to do as well as they can, it's my dream, I want to give absolutely everything for my team to do it.

"I am so keen to do well with my team this season. Hopefully we can do it. I feel there is huge potential there.

"We want to add something. That little percentage where we can improve is vital. Sometimes it depends on just a fraction more."

When asked whether he will celebrate his birthday after the game, he said: " I am not a celebrator of birthdays. I just think what is important is my team performs well [against Anderlecht].

"I will dedicate all my energy to get things right and perform."

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