Fabregas talks up title chance

Arsenal have seen their Premier League title hopes fade following a run of only one win in six and they now trail Chelsea by a point and are half a dozen behind leaders Manchester United.

But after last weeks stunning comeback win over Bolton Fabregas insists the spirit in the side has been rejuvenated and said: "We knew it was an important victory, especially for the confidence of the team. We are still in the title race and for the season that is important."

He added: "Confidence is important for any team in the world. Even if you play well, sometimes things go against you, so we showed great character and ambition on Saturday. Let's see if that is positive for the rest of the season.

"All we have to do is concentrate on winning every game and that's it. I know we are not the favourites any more but it is just up to us to win the six remaining league games.

"The title is no longer in our own hands because Manchester United are six points ahead but winning our last games is up to us and we have to be there behind them waiting for any opportunity."

Fabregas has also urged Mathieu Flamini, who is out of contract in the summer, to pen a new deal but admits it is difficult to focus on matters off the pitch at such a key stage of the campaign.

"I keep telling him to sign it quick because we need him," the Spaniard said. "But he is concentrating on the football at the moment - we are still going for two titles so right now, everything else is not as important.

"Of course, he wants to know where he will be next season but we all hope he will be with us.

"He is working really hard, he is a nice guy, he wants the best for Arsenal and I know he wants to stay."