Midfielder Andrey Arshavin believes Arsenal’s season should be classified as a failure if the Gunners fail to win the English Premier League title.

Speaking to the Daily Mail ahead of the last months of the season, the Russian explained that Manchester United are favourites to win the title but also how Arsenal and Chelsea will not give up easily as both of them can still dream of becoming Champions.

Believing that not winning the Premier League would be a big blow for Arsenal, the 29-year old confessed that he is fit and ready to feature in the last nine games of the season but also that he psychologically suffered the disappointing Cup defeats against Birmingham City in the League Cup and Barcelona in the Champions League.

The midfielder concluded by saying that he has no idea why manager Arsene Wenger opted to start with Tomas Rosicky at the Camp Nou as he also gave an explanation of why he was so upset during the winners’ ceremony, at Wembley, against Birmingham.

On the title race, Arshavin said:

Manchester United [look strongest] but all others who chase them won’t let them break away too far. Including us. Now we are in a close chase for the title with Manchester United and still have chances to finish first in the Premier League.

If we fail to do that I would consider this season completely lost for us. At the moment physically I feel well, but I cannot say the same about my emotional state. No footballer likes to lose and I am no exception.

I do not know why I wasn’t in the starting line-up for the match in Barcelona. You should ask the manager about it. Because from my point of view only one team was playing football at Nou Camp and it was Barca.

I was substituted in the second half [against Birmingham]. So after the game was over, I went straight to the dressing room oblivious of any ceremonies.