Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has warned Barclays Premier League title rivals Manchester City they cannot just buy the spirit of champions.
The Gunners will head to Eastlands for Sunday's televised showdown with confidence restored after victory over Birmingham was followed up by a 5-1 Champions League demolition of Shakhtar Donetsk at Emirates Stadium.
"Everyone chooses their own politics and everyone decides how to win," said Fabregas, who scored from the penalty spot against Shakhtar in his first appearance since mid-September because of a hamstring injury. "They have a lot of money. They are taking advantage of it, and that's it. It is not our style, but we respect everyone's decision."
City are currently just two points behind leaders Chelsea as Roberto Mancini's unprecedented spending spree appears to be paying dividends.
However, Fabregas insists building up a side capable of challenging for honours is not only about cold, hard cash.
He maintained: "You cannot buy the spirit in one year.
"You need a few years to get everyone together and to get to know each other well, and it's not easy.
"You don't make a team in one season or two. But, of course, they are in a very good position.
"They have all the ingredients to become a great club and we have to fight hard against them.
"We have our style, we have the football we want to play and we want to try to win every game like this, whether it is against the richest club in the world or the poorest."
Source: PA
