Crocked Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas has praised young midfield pair Abou Diaby and Denilson for the way they've played in his absence.

"I've played with both of them, of course, and I can say they work really hard, they always give their best and are very honest players," he told the Official Arsenal Programme.

"At Arsenal there's a lot of pressure because we are a big club but from my perspective, and from outside, I think they are doing well.

"If we had scored one of our early chances [against Sunderland last] Saturday we could have gone on to win by four.

"We have to remember that this game depends on the entire team, and squad, and also to be mindful that Arsenal has lost games involving myself, Patrick Vieira, Edu, Gilberto and many other midfielders in the past!"