Cesc: Too Early To Write Us Off

The Gunners are currently on a disappointing run of form and face champions Manchester United today knowing another defeat would seriously dent their title hopes.

Yet Fabregas claims it is far too early to write his team off, he says: “It is far too early to write off Arsenal. At the moment, we are six points behind the leaders. If we win today, we will be back in the top three and putting pressure on Chelsea and Liverpool.”

A draw at home to Tottenham and defeat to Stoke has piled the pressure on the Gunners and their midfield ace admits it is difficult to explain their recent results.

“We have no excuses for our recent results against Tottenham and Stoke and we cannot afford to lose today,” he writes in his column, “We have to learn from the mistakes we have made in recent games and put things right.”

Yet despite insisting today’s game is a must-win, he also reveals his side need to pick up points against the so-called lesser sides if they are to claim Premier League glory.

“I am always hearing people say it’s the games against your top-four rivals which decide the title race,” he said before adding, “I don’t agree. Two seasons ago, we had the best record of top-four teams in games against each other. But we still didn’t win the league.”

The Spaniard also responded to criticisms that Arsenal concentrated more on their style of play than results, saying: “One of the criticisms which has been levelled at Arsenal this season is that we are more interested in playing beautiful football than winning trophies. But I can promise you that is not the case.

“Arsenal’s philosophy is always to play good football and bring enjoyment to the supporters. But to win the game is the most important thing. And the most difficult thing.”

He also insisted that despite being a young side, the Gunners had the experience required: “I cannot agree with claims that Arsenal do not have experience to win the title. We might be young but we are not inexperienced.”

Fabregas also reveals that he is confident his side have the quality to win the league and that last season’s near miss was evidence.

“This is my sixth year at Arsenal and my fifth season in the side. As a team, we came of age last season when we went so close to winning the Premier League,” he said before concluding, “That convinced everyone at the club that we have the quality to be champions.”