The Gunners produced another late, late show to earn themselves a
2-2 draw against champions Manchester United at the Emirates
Stadium on Saturday.
It was a result - courtesy of a stoppage-time effort from captain
William Gallas, who had earlier scored an own goal into the same
net - which not only extended their unbeaten record to 25
successive games, but also denied United the chance to pull clear
at the top of the table.
Arsene Wenger's men remain ahead of the chasing pack by the
slenderest of margins, on goals scored, but have a game in
hand.
Fabregas took his tally for the season to 11 with an effort at the
start of the second half as the hosts fought back.
But it is the way the Gunners have finished games so strongly which
the young Spaniard believes will stand them in good stead for the
battles ahead over the next six months.
"Everyone could see that we are a team which fights until the last
second," Fabregas declared.
"Even if they score, we have to show our qualities, which are to
play football, try to create chances and that's what we did until
the last second.
"We don't give up and we are very strong physically.
"We can run until the last second of the game. With other teams,
maybe they can't follow it until the end.
"Our opponents are always strong, but we always feel there will be
one point where they can't stay with you and that is when we can
score."
Arsenal emerged from a second successive test of their title
credentials unscathed, having also drawn 1-1 at Liverpool last
weekend with a late goal.
There are, of course, sure to be plenty of twists and turns ahead
as the campaign unfolds.
However, it has certainly been a positive start from Wenger's side,
whose last trophy was the FA Cup in 2005.
"The title race is still very far, but this point is good," said
Fabregas. "Losing the game would have left them three points in
front. So to stay top with an extra game is very good.
"But now we have to beat all of the teams that come here and also
away from home.
"When you go to places like Liverpool, Stamford Bridge or Old
Trafford, you have to try to win those games as well."
Arsenal had enjoyed long spells of possession, but often failed to
find a decisive pass to open up the United defence.
Indeed, the home side were really only on top at the start of the
second half and in the dying stages when they finally forced an
equaliser in stoppage-time.
Of course, against teams of lesser strength, the Gunners are not
expected to face such a quality rearguard.
"Consistency is very important," said Fabregas. "You don't win the
title just by results against the big teams like this.
"We have to beat the lesser teams and then if we can get results
against the top teams then it really helps us in the title
race."
Fabregas declared: "We have to believe. Belief is the most
important thing in football. If you don't believe then you have no
chance."
Arsenal looked to be heading for a first defeat since April when
Cristiano Ronaldo slotted home into an empty net with just eight
minutes left after full-back Patrice Evra had drawn keeper Manuel
Almunia into an unnecessary dash from his six-yard box.
However, this emerging Arsenal side just do not know when they are
beaten and they produced a late surge on the United goal.
Evra sliced the ball onto the top of his own bar, and substitute
Eduardo da Silva fired wide.
Then just when time seemed to have run out, Gallas was on hand at
the far post to drill the ball over the line.
Even though keeper Edwin van der Sar palmed his shot out, it was
well spotted by assistant referee Darren Cann - once on the books
of Norwich City - who flagged the goal to Howard Webb.
The decision sparked wild jubilation for the home supporters, with
Gallas running to the dugout to celebrate with his manager.
The former Chelsea defender, 30, has certainly grown into the role
handed him this season following the departure of Thierry
Henry.
Fabregas said: "William is a strong guy. He has shown at Chelsea
and in the French national team as well as here that he is a big
character.
"We respect him a lot. He is helping as captain, but everybody is a
leader and that's the most important thing."