Arsenal can win title - Bendtner

PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Emirates Stadium Date: Saturday 8 November Kick-off: 1230 GMT
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live; Updates on BBC Sport website & highlights on Match of the Day; Live on Sky Sports 1

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Bendtner has scored four goals for Arsenal this season

Striker Nicklas Bendtner is confident Arsenal can beat Manchester United on Saturday and get their Premier League challenge back on track.

The Gunners are fourth, a point behind United and trail leaders Chelsea by six, but the Dane feels Arsene Wenger's young side should not be written off.

"We still believe we can win the title and it will be like that until the season finishes," said the 20-year-old.

"We owe that to ourselves. We are young but we can still prove people wrong."

Arsenal have already suffered three top-flight defeats this season, the latest a 2-1 loss at Premier League newcomers Stoke City, and have not won in their last three league and European games.

They let a two-goal lead slip at home to rivals Tottenham to draw 4-4, while the defeat at Stoke was followed by a goalless draw in the Champions League at home to Fenerbahce.

Their task will not be any easier in Saturday's encounter with the reigning champions but Bendtner says the Gunners are up for the challenge.

"We're very strong and we have played well against big teams this season. It will be no different on Saturday," he added.

It's going to be a good game and we will show them we are still in the race for the title Arsenal defender Kolo Toure

"After what happened against Tottenham and Stoke, people can get the impression that things are not going right but we don't feel that way ourselves.

"We are strong and believe we have another chance tomorrow to show that we are united and can get back to winning ways."

With Emmanuel Adebayor injured, Robin van Persie suspended and Theo Walcott only rated as 50-50, Wenger will look to Bendter to lead Arsenal's attack at the Emirates.

He is likely to be joined by Mexican Carlos Vela, who scored a hat-trick against Sheffield United in the Carling Cup earlier this season, and Bendtner is relishing his chance to secure a regular first-team spot.

"I always feel confident, whoever I play. I'll play to my strength and the team will play as a unit," he stated. "If we all play well that should be enough but I want to do the best I can.

606: DEBATE I am approaching the game on Saturday more in hope than expectation at the moment trigg_2

"It would be fantastic to score against Manchester United. If I can score and help us win the game then I'll be very happy.

"If you play well, you keep your place so you have to keep working hard.

"It's the same for every striker, there's no free pass in every top club. I love playing for Arsenal."

Bendtner's Arsenal team-mate, defender Kolo Toure, agrees that their title challenge is far from over but has played down the importance of defeating United.

"Beating Manchester United would definitely turn things around for us," he said. "A win would be really fantastic for us and would show that we would be there for the title but it's not a must-win, it's just another game.

"We know that the Premier League is really long, we are not in the second half yet.

"We just need to take it as a really important game and show United and those big clubs that we are there to fight for the title.

"It's going to be a good game and we will show them we are still in the race for the title."