Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas believes their axed World Cup players have carried the team this season.
He believes Arsenal are the fitter and fresher outfit, because three key stars - Samir Nasri, Andrey Arshavin and Marouane Chamakh - had a summer off rather than taking part in the World Cup finals.
Fabregas said: "I know they will always regret not going to the World Cup but for us the benefit has been amazing. They had seven weeks' holiday and you can see the results of that rest.
"We are so delighted they are in such great form.
"Look at them, then look at the likes of me, Robin van Persie, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.
"We went to the finals and have struggled with injuries since then.
"So the World Cup has made a very big difference. Not just to us and not just to the other top clubs - but to the whole Premier League.
"It's all a little bit weird."
