Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has called on teammates to show more bottle as they revive their title hopes.

Before the Gunners' victory over Liverpool last night, Cesc threw down the gauntlet at his young teammates.

"As a team we need to be stronger," he said. "We can't hide behind people saying we are too young, or we have injuries. We just have to compete.

"People say you must learn from your mistakes, but you learn how to play football when you are 12, 13, 14, 15. You don't learn these things when you are 25."

Fabregas also highlighted the importance of Arsenal's psychological approach, arguing that their mental strength would determine whether they can end a five-year wait for silverware.

"We need an extra edge in these big games," said Fabregas. "It's the mentality that will determine whether you win trophies or not. Of course you can still improve, always improve, but the basics must be there.

"If you play for Arsenal it's because you have to have these attributes. That's why I don't believe that age is an excuse."