Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs believes that his side's next three Premier League games are key to their top-four ambitions.

The Gunners host Manchester City and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium either side of a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea later this month.

Before that, the North London outfit travel to Swansea City in the FA Cup on Sunday, and Gibbs insists that their clash with the Swans is a big game in their season.

"We're halfway through the season now and it's important we stake our claim in the next three games and show where we want to be," said Gibbs.

"Near the top of the table is where we expect to be – even more. It was disappointing to break our winning streak at Southampton. Four on the spin left us feeling good – we were so hungry to get three points. But the winning run gave us a good lift at this stage because the games come thick and fast.

"We go to Swansea and it's one of our biggest games of the season. This is another opportunity to get a trophy and we want to go there and win. We need to make sure we are fully focused and realise we have a chance to put a trophy in the cabinet."

Arsenal currently sit sixth in the Premier League table.