Fabregas: Arsenal Have Fight As Well As Flair. [ Monday November 05, 2007]
Arsenal are capable of backing their stylish football with grit and muscle, says misdfield playmaker Cesc Fabregas.

Arsenal's battling 2-2 draw with champions Manchester United on Saturday confirmed that they have the physical presence to complement their silky skills, according to Cesc Fabregas.

The Gunners battled back into the match after falling behind for the second successive weekend to retain top spot in the Premier League and underline their never-say-die spirit.

The team hailed for their artistic flair showed they have added more prosaic qualities to their game since last season - qualities that are vital if Arsenal are to sustain their title challenge against the likes of United, Liverpool and Chelsea.

After twice coming back from a goal behind against United, Fabregas insists they have got what it takes to be genuine contenders.

He said: “We don’t give up and are very strong physically. Everyone could see we are a team which fights to the last second.

“Even if they score, we have to show our qualities. They are to play football and try to create chances and that’s what we did right to the finish.

“We can run until the last second. With other teams, maybe they can’t follow it through until the end. Our opponents are always strong but we feel there will be one point where they can’t stay with us and that is when we can score.

“The title race still has very far to go but this point is good. Losing would have left them three points in front of us.”

It is the improved level of stamina within his side that manager Arsene Wenger believes is the difference from last season.

It was evident the previous weekend against Liverpool at Anfield, the again on Saturday as the Gunners equalised in injury-time with a William Gallas goal.

Fabregas, who scored his 10th goal of the season against Liverpool and his 11th against United, continued: “We have to believe we can win the title. If you don’t believe, you have no chance.”