Arsenal can tough it out, Fabregas says

London: The second-half comeback which handed Arsenal a crucial victory at Anfield and sent Arsene Wenger's side back into the Premier League title race should lay to rest their reputation as English football's shrinking violets, according to captain Cesc Fabregas.

Wenger's side have been criticised in recent years for lacking stature when presented with physical opponents and gumption when required to overcome obstinate opposition, but Fabregas believes that the 10-minute second-half whirlwind which accounted for Liverpool proves Arsenal at their best cannot be thrown out of their stride.

"Football is not all about size. We've seen successful teams in the past without any physical presence who could play great football," the Spaniard said.

Long way

"We showed in the second half at Anfield that if you play good football, it is very difficult to stop. There is still a long way to go in the title race. It is more open than ever, any team can beat any other team."

That Arsenal managed to overcome Rafael Benitez's side without any of their front-line strikers, too, bodes well for the remainder of a campaign in which Wenger is unlikely to be able to call on Robin van Persie, sidelined until well into the new year with an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, Catalonia coach Johan Cruyff has included Fabregas in his squad for the friendly against Argentina on December 22. However, Arsenal are under no obligation to release the former Barcelona man as Catalonia are not recognised by Fifa and Wenger has already stated his opposition to the fixture.