Cameroon midfielder Alex Song wants to "finish the job" by guiding Arsenal into the fourth round of the FA Cup before heading off on international duty.
The Gunners travel to West Ham on the back of a six-match unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League, which has seen them reduce the deficit on leaders Chelsea down to just four points - and with a game in hand.
"I want to go away to the African Nations Cup having finished the job here, leaving the team in a strong position," he said. "While I am away, I will still have my eyes on what is happening here, because this season is so important for every player in the Arsenal squad."
He added: "I am confident that when I go, we have the players who can do a very good job."
Song called on his team-mates to continue their efforts in his absence.
"The players are confident, and we all really want to do something this season," he said.
"When we lost against Chelsea, the boss said we just have to concentrate to improve because we knew Chelsea could drop points.
"We do not want to have any regrets, and when we have the opportunity we have to play well - when we play like we did against Portsmouth, nobody can beat us.
"Every player wants to give 100% and is ready for the fight, to continue to improve.
"Last year maybe we missed something, now when we make one mistake we learn from the mistake."
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