Alex Iwobi says Arsenal are “not afraid to play anyone” after stretching their winning run to nine games, with the Gunners intending to form part of the Premier League title “marathon”.
Unai Emery saw his reign in north London opened with back-to-back defeats against Manchester City and Chelsea.
Early questions were asked of the Spaniard after a testing start, but he has seen his side ease any pressure which had been building by offering the best possible response.
Arsenal are flying at present, with a 5-1 derby mauling of Fulham in their latest outing seeing them head into the international break with impressive progress being made in league, Europa League and Carabao Cup competition.
Iwobi told the club’s official website: “We're not afraid to play anyone. We're playing without fear, we want to be consistent and keep it going.
“The team spirit is better. The confidence is definitely better. We analyse the games a bit more and we're proving to the fans as well as ourselves that we're able to compete for the title.”
Arsenal have clambered above old adversaries Tottenham and to within touching distance of the Premier League frontrunners.
Pressed on whether a challenge for the crown can be maintained this season, Iwobi said: “Well of course!
“But there's a long way to go. It's a marathon, so we just have to carry on being consistent.”
Iwobi will be hoping to play a leading role in Arsenal’s efforts to challenge on multiple fronts this term, with the Nigeria international proving to be far more consistent since Emery replaced Arsene Wenger.
The 22-year-old forward said of his own form: “The manager has given me a lot of confidence, telling me that when I get the ball to just be positive.
“Whenever I am called upon to play, I always try to give my best and make sure that I can impose myself on the game.”