Nasri refutes "relentless" and "unfair" criticism

Samir Nasri maintains it is now up to Arsenal to prove criticism of their Premier League title aspirations were nothing more than "nonsense".

The Gunners kick-started their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea after coming from behind at Stamford Bridge.

Although still some eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool - who must come to Emirates Stadium on December 21 - it was a second win over their direct rivals, having also seen off Manchester United last month.

It marked the end of a troubled spell both on and off the pitch for Arsene Wenger's men, now led by new skipper Cesc Fabregas after William Gallas was stripped of the captaincy for airing his controversial views in public.

However, Nasri insists the Gunners are a united dressing room and all the negative comments from pundits are completely unjustified.

"There is lots of relentless criticism about Arsenal that is not fair, but now it is up to us to stop talking, to work hard at training and to show on the pitch that all of that is nonsense," the France winger declared.

"We know the quality we have, we know what is in our dressing room and that everything is okay at the club so we can prove them wrong."

Nasri was Wenger's main summer transfer, arriving from Marseille in a £12million deal.

The 21-year-old had an instant impact when he scored on his debut against West Brom on the opening day and also netted a brace in the 2-1 win over United.

"I am very pleased with my four months here so far," said Nasri, who has had his fair share of injury problems in the past.

"The atmosphere is excellent, and the club is like a real family, so the time I have spent has been really special.

"It was fantastic to make my debut for Arsenal and score in the same game.

"Working with this team and with the boss has been great and I feel very comfortable with them - so with this and the early goal, my integration has come about very, very quickly."

Nasri added: "I knew a good number of the players already from the French national team, and I knew the boss very well too.

"So from playing with the France squad, I got to know a lot about the English league, it made things easier.

"Now I hope that my adaptation can continue as well as it has begun."

Arsenal's youngsters were knocked out of the Carling Cup at Championship side Burnley in midweek, and Wenger will recall his first-team regulars for Saturday's home Premier League clash with Wigan.

The Latics were beaten 3-0 at Emirates in the last round of the cup, but nevertheless will present another test of the Gunners' title credentials.

Successive league defeats followed the win over United, and defender Gael Clichy knows there can be no more mistakes - with the likes of Hull, Stoke, Fulham and Manchester City having all beaten Arsenal this season.

Clichy told Arsenal TV: "If we can perform like we did against Chelsea week in and week out, then we have a good chance to achieve great things.

"Big games and small games all have the same importance, because they all have three points at the end.

"Now we cannot afford to drop any more points and must really go for it."

He added: "If we win against Wigan, then we can say we are improving, but if we do not then we will be in the same situation as after the Manchester United game, when we had a big win and then a disappointment.

"I think everyone has learned their lesson and this is a new start now.

"We have to play against these sides with a great desire, because they are going to want to beat the big teams and will give everything."

• Meanwhile, Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has once again re-affirmed his commitment to the Gunners in light of comments he made to an Italian newspaper concerning AC Milan.

The 21-year-old Spaniard said: "It is true that I said I admire Milan for their rich history and the way they play football - but that is as far as the story goes,'' Fabregas said.

"I am honoured to be wearing the captain's armband for Arsenal and I am 100% committed to this club. My future is here."