Tomas Rosicky has insisted that Arsenal can win the Premier League and do not get affected by criticism.
Arsenal midfielder eyes greater consistency
Tomas Rosicky has insisted that Arsenal are as good as anybody in the Premier League and do not get affected by criticism.
The Gunners have lost at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford already this season and were beaten home and away by Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premier League last term.
Arsenal's title credentials will again come under the microscope when Carlo Ancelotti brings his side to Emirates Stadium on Monday night, and Rosicky is ignoring any of the mind games used by the Blues.
Ancelotti has claimed in the build-up to the match that Arsenal are scared of Didier Drogba, while Patrice Evra highlighted their long wait for a trophy before Manchester United's victory at Old Trafford earlier this month.
Rosicky is not concerned about the noises coming out of rival clubs as he knows Arsenal command respect and are capable of competing with the best in the business.
Asked why Arsenal have struggled against the top sides in recent times, the Czech Republic international told
isport.blesk.cz: "I can't find a reason for this.
"We are not worse than the top clubs. In the autumn Chelsea beat us 2-0 but if you look at how the game went you see we were the better team.
"And the recent one against Manchester United. It should have been a draw.
"Ahead of our games against the big teams the opposing teams' representatives don't pay respect to us but then you see their starting XI, like at Old Trafford last time.
"They had been playing with two strikers all season but suddenly they change it because of us.
"This shows how much they respect you and the rest is just useless talk."
High standard
Rosicky accepts that Arsenal must show greater consistency after losing five of their opening 17 games this season but he believes the division is so competitive this season that more teams are fighting for top spot than ever before.
He said: "It is not about four teams as it used to be. Others have joined the race - Manchester City and Tottenham.
"The quality of Premier League teams is so high that if you step off the gas you are immediately punished.
"If you go to Wolves, for instance, it is a war from the kick-off to the final whistle. Still, this is why the Premier League is so thrilling."
Rosicky nevertheless feels Arsenal can finish the season on top of the pile, saying: "There is no reason why we can't win the title.
"I don't know why we should be considered as a team which cannot win it, especially knowing we were top of the table two weeks ago.
"We will know more after the Christmas spell but I'm optimistic."
Rosicky added: "I think this is the strongest squad we have had over the years I have been with Arsenal."
