Arsenal 1 Manchester City 1: 'We are not as bad as everyone thinks,' claims Arsene Wenger

The Gunners put in an impressive second-half performance against City

Arsene Wenger makes a gesture from the touchline (PA)

Arsene Wenger insists it is far from all doom and gloom around the Emirates Stadium after finally getting the required performance from his team against a top-four rival in their 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Saturday.

"Since the start of the season this team has shown a lot of spirit," said Wenger, whose men were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw at home by Swansea on Tuesday night following a bizarre last-minute own goal from Mathieu Flamini.

"We just went out (of the Champions League) against Bayern with 10 men, that we are in the semi-final of the FA Cup and that we are still are fighting at the top in the Premier League, so we are not as bad as everybody thinks because we have shown remarkable consistency.

"Tottenham, Liverpool and Everton aren't in the FA Cup so that means this team has shown quality and we have some players out.

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"I would like to see Manchester City (against us) without (Vincent) Kompany, without Yaya Toure and without (David) Silva and go into a game of that stature, so we have been a bit unlucky as well."

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta believes the players have given themselves renewed confidence for the challenges ahead.

"It means a lot (in terms of self belief) after two disappointing results in a row," said the Spaniard.

"Mentally someone has to put it right and only we (players) could do that.

"Hopefully we can finish the season strong because there is still a lot to play for."

PA