Last Updated: Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:15
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes his experienced stars deserve a lot of credit for helping turning around their faltering season.
The Gunners are heading into this weekend's game against Manchester City in a confident mood after a run of seven wins from their last eight Premier League fixtures.
Even last Saturday's surprise defeat to strugglers QPR has not dampened spirits at the Emirates Stadium as Wenger's men look to secure an automatic Champions League qualification spot by finishing in the top three.
The contrast couldn't be more great after their early season slump which saw Arsenal drop to seventh place, and prompted questions to be asked about the Frenchman's position as manager.
However, Wenger is adamant he was always confident about their chances of getting the campaign back on track due largely to the experience in the club's dressing room.
He told reporters: "Personally I never question the attitude of this team, which I may have done in some previous years.
"But this season, never. I've always returned home thinking this team will never give up, they are always ready for a fight.
"I must say Robin van Persie has done an outstanding job of leading the team, as have many players - people like Vermaelen, Arteta, Song, Sagna -I don't want to leave people out but the senior players have played a big part in setting the tone in the squad."
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