Sagna seeks killer instinct

Bacary Sagna believes Arsenal are 'too nice' to be considered challengers for the Premier League title.

The Gunners have seen that prize elude them again this season, with a 3-1 defeat at Stoke on Sunday, coupled with Manchester United's 2-1 victory over Chelsea, leaving them nine points adrift of top spot.

It appeared at one stage as if they were ready to launch a sustained bid for the top-flight crown, but saw results and performances take a turn for the worse heading down the final straight.

Too many points have been dropped in games they were expected to win, and that is the difference between coming out on top and scrapping for third place.

"We are too nice. We have to fight a bit more."
Bacary SagnaQuotes of the week

Sagna admits the Gunners need to discover a killer instinct if they are to compete in 2011/12, with it important that they learn from their mistakes and right their wrongs.

"We are too nice. We have to fight a bit more. We have to push them as much as they push us and be a bit more killer," Sagna toldArsenal TV Online.

Fight

"We are not defending as well as we have to and against big players like Stoke have, it is very difficult.

"We have to put in performances week after week and fight even more.

"We didn't give enough. We didn't play as we can and that is what happens when you don't give the maximum - you get beaten everywhere."

Sagna is confident Arsenal will find a winning formula, with Arsene Wenger's squad aware of the areas they need to work on.

"It can be put right on the training ground because it is in our mind," the 28-year-old France international added.

"We know we are very good players, but sometimes we have to fight a bit more."