The leader of the Gunners under fire says it takes “a lot of energy” to try to lift the spirits of the struggling side.
Mikel Arteta says beating Chelsea on Boxing Day is “the best cure” for Arsenal’s “suffering” during a “crucial” festival.
Arteta has been under increasing pressure with the Gunners mourning in 15th in the Premier League roster.
They were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by a 4-1 loss in the quarter-final at home to Manchester City on Tuesday.
Arsenal are without a win in seven high-flying games, picking up just two points since they beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on 1 November.
Arteta says the London derby win on Frank Lampard ‘s side would be the perfect cure ahead of trips to fellow Brighton and Hove Albion and West Brom rivals.
The Arsenal manager said: “At this point, to keep the team together, to keep the team alive and to be a team, not a group of players, it takes a lot of energy because when you lose ball games -foot you have to lift them up, to bring them together.
“You have to get them all to be positive to each other, not to blame each other or any external factor when things are not going well.
“The best thing to do when you have such a situation is to be able to do things off-site, bring them together in a changing environment, but for now, with Covid [restrictions], we cannot and may not be able to do it in time.
“We have to try other ways, but I have to say that the players really put in a lot of wellbeing without losing what we build, but it takes a lot of energy because we losing games.
“Every game puts a lot of pressure on your shoulders, it’s a big disappointment and people suffer. We hurt and suffer and we have to recover, start believing again and try to push the players, then they respond and are excited for the game.
“The best cure, better than anything that can happen outside of our facilities, is to win against Chelsea.”
Arsenal are just four points above the relegation zone and Arteta know they need to turn the tide in prime time.
“I think the next seven to eight days are going to be crucial in seeing where we go in the Premier League,” said the Spaniard.