Arsenal have to do the dirty work when necessary - Samir Nasri

Posted Thursday, December 16, 2010 by Goal.com

Gunners can win the title despite loss to Manchester United, says Frenchman

Arsenal have to do the dirty work when necessary - Samir Nasri
PASS ENCOUNTER: Samir Nasri of Arsenal looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League Group H match

Samir Nasri believes that Arsenal have to sometimes sacrifice their flamboyant style of football and do the dirty work necessary to win a game, metaphorically saying that his team-mates "sometimes have to put the bullfighter's outfit in the cupboard".

The Gunners were only recently subject to a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United that saw them lose top spot in the Premier League to their opponents, who now have a two-point lead with a game in hand.

However, the Frenchman has thrown down the gauntlet in the race to the finish line, as he believes that the north London club can win the title despite losing at Old Trafford.

"It was a tactical battle against United, and we needed to do plenty of defending especially with Park and Rooney down the flanks," Nasri told reporters.

"We stood up to them well, but lost the game because of little details. In the first half we were unwilling to commit ourselves too much, but in the second half we were a lot more effective.

"We sometimes have to put the bullfighter's outfit in the cupboard. We have to get down to working hard for the good of the team.

"I do not see any problems with us not playing in flamboyant style, as long at the team wins.

"We proved that we are a good team, but it is futile to talk about it now.

"Let's discuss it again in May - and see who are the champions then."