Wenger ready for crunch period

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is aware of how quickly his side's fortunes could change.

After a topsy-turvy season, the Gunners finally seem to be on track again, heading into Wednesday's Champions League last-16 clash with AC Milan having reclaimed their place in the Premier League`s top four.

But, with so much still to play for and having been burned in the past, Wenger is aware of how cautious his side need to be. He said: "You could say that the crisis at the moment in England is a bit like fire. It moves very quickly from one club to another."

He added: "It's a fire with strong wind so you have to be a bit cautious because it can quickly come back. The wind can blow it quickly back. This is the important time for us. Before the week started, I said that this week would be vital for us. It's down to us to do well and hopefully we will do it."

Wenger has challenged his young Gunners to once again rise to the occasion in the San Siro.

Four seasons ago, Wenger led Arsenal to a famous 2-0 win on their last visit to the San Siro against the then European Cup holders.

While Arsenal may now be without goalscorers Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor, and with the likes of William Gallas, Alexandre Hleb and Mathieu Flamini all having also moved on, Wenger remains convinced the latest generation can step up to the challenge against the Serie A leaders.

"When we played here, Milan had won the European Cup the year before and we knocked them out," Wenger recalled.

"We had an up and coming team that was full of confidence and a very young side as well. Since we have of course lost some players, but I feel we are again a strong team now.

"We are a team who is rebuilding confidence and I believe as well that this game will be important for that."