Fabregas: Gunners must be ‘up for it’

CESC FABREGAS knows Arsenal must be “up for it” to keep their Barclays Premier League title challenge on track when they travel to Wolves today.

Arsene Wenger’s men have the opportunity to put some pressure on leaders Chelsea and Manchester United, who clash at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, with what would be a sixth win from seven league games.

Indeed were Arsenal – now unbeaten in 12 matches in all competitions – to pick up another three points, it would move them, temporarily at least, above United on goal difference and within two points of Chelsea, who travel to Emirates Stadium at the end of November.

However, Gunners captain Fabregas knows unless the team are completely focused, they will face a real battle to get any sort of positive result at Molineux.

“We will have to be at our best as usual because today there are no small teams in the Premier League, everyone makes it difficult if you are not up for it, so we will have to be motivated to beat them,” said Fabregas, who took his tally for the season to eight with a brace in the midweek 4-1 Champions League win over AZ Alkmaar.

“It is noticeable that the ‘big four’ teams have lost a number of matches so far between them.

“In my opinion, that is better for the league because it means other teams are improving.

“Everyone is striving to be better and that is making it difficult for the top teams.”

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger also acknowledged the importance of 100% focus.

“We believe we can go up there and have the potential to make a result, but we know as well that you will need full concentration,” he said.

Wolves may be among those clubs hovering just outside the relegation zone, but Wenger has been impressed by their performances so far.

“You know when you go to Wolves you will have tough opponents, a team who will give absolutely everything,” he said.

“They also have quality to come back in the Premier League, they did that from 2-0 down at Stoke.

“Mick McCarthy knew already what would be expected in the Premier League and that is why they are doing well.”

For his part, McCarthy will have no regrets whatever the outcome of today’s clash.

He is determined to adopt an attacking approach at home to Wenger’s free-scoring team.

The former Republic of Ireland manager said: “I won’t be sat here on Saturday complaining ‘we didn’t have a go at them’.

“I won’t be sat with a beer in my hand thinking ‘we just let them just roll us over and tickle our belly’.

“I watched AZ Alkmaar at Arsenal, a fellow Champions League team, who over the last few years have won their league, have been fabulous and have some great footballers in there.

“Yet they got slapped completely when playing one upfront, sitting back. They got played through, round, over, they just got mullered completely. We will try and play on the front foot.”