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Perry Groves believes that Arsenal’s record-breaking run of form proves they have the spirit and resilience to succeed at the highest level.
Arsène Wenger’s side have come from behind to win their past four games and now lie just one point behind third-placed Tottenham in the Premier League table.
Groves says this hot streak will have increased the squad’s self-belief, something they must harness to achieve their future goals.
“I have been impressed with their spirit. They are the first team in Premier League history to come back in four games to win, and that shows the spirit is there,” he told Arsenal.com at a Show Racism the Red Card event at Emirates Stadium.
“The resilience is back after the disappointing results against AC Milan [in the first leg] and Sunderland. They are playing the Arsenal way and they have that bit of belief.
“The target right now is to finish in front of Spurs. If you had said that three or four weeks ago, when they were 10 points behind them, it looked unlikely. Now I think it is very likely if you look at our fixtures.
“This group needs to win a trophy and that gives you even more belief. In the team I was privileged to be part of in 1987, Arsenal hadn't won a trophy for eight years.
“We won the Littlewoods Cup and that instilled belief in the players, the fans and the whole Club that we could win trophies, so that is the next step.”
Groves sees plenty of reasons for optimism when examining the Arsenal squad.
“Robin van Persie gives everyone confidence with his goals,” he said. “Tomas Rosicky seems to have that hunger and desire. When we were two down against Spurs it was him who dragged the team up by its bootstraps and drove them forward.
“Wojciech Szczesny in goal has stature and a physical presence, and for someone so young and learning his trade, he is well on his way to becoming a world-class keeper. You can tell that he instills confidence in the defence.
“Laurent Koscielny has been one of our most improved players. He has been excellent at bringing the ball out from the back, and that is Arsène's way.”
