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Arshavin refuses failed title bid

(GSM) - Arsenal playmaker Andrey Arshavin admits his side's title bid has faltered over the past week but has refused to throw in the towel.

The Gunners were held to a goalless draw at Aston Villa last weekend before being beaten 3-1 at home to champions Manchester United on Sunday.

The North London giants are in the middle of a season-defining quartet of fixtures, with first Chelsea and then Liverpool next on their agenda.

Arsene Wenger's men were being tipped as outsiders for the Premier League crown after charging back into contention, but results against the top sides have seen their cause deteriorate.

The United defeat, their fifth in the league this term, leaves Arsenal five points behind leaders Chelsea, who also won at the Emirates in November.

However, while Arshavin admits their title chances have taken a big knock he insists the side will look forward and not back as they prepare for their visit to Stamford Bridge.

"It is getting even harder to believe that we can win first place after such defeats," the Russian said on his personal website.

"I divide the games with Aston Villa, Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool into two parts - the first part has been held, there are still two more games, I hope we will conduct them better."