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| Flamini played 90 minutes in midfield as Arsenal beat Zagreb to keep Champions League hopes alive |
MATHIEU FLAMINI believes his team-mates deserve credit for digging themselves out of their Champions League hole without abandoning the "Arsenal" way.
And the veteran midfielder has vowed to continue to provide the engine at the heart of the team during the current injury crisis so Arsenal can make the most of their European turnaround, both home and abroad.
Arsenal had not won since the 5-1 demolition in Munich that left their hopes of securing a 16th successive group-stage qualification hanging by a thread.
At the same time, injuries to key defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin and Mikel Arteta added to the casualty list in the shock 2-1 reversal against West Brom on Saturday and left Arsenal's season in danger of unravelling.
However, a much-improved display in the 3-0 win against Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday made light of the club's problems and put their hopes of qualifying in Europe back into their own hands - with a two-goal win against Olympiacos in Greece guaranteed to see them through.
Now they travel to Norwich on Sunday looking to head back towards the summit of the Premier League which they last occupied just over a month ago.
But it is the style of Arsenal's play rather than the result on Tuesday night that has given Flamini most satisfaction.
"We can now qualify for the knockout stages but it's not going to be easy because it is going to be a great atmosphere over there," he said. "But I think we have the quality and team spirit to do it.
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| Flamini was glad his side were gritty but stuck to their beautiful football |
"On Tuesday we played beautiful football and scored three goals, why not go there and win with two goals difference?
"We knew what we had to do. There was no need for extra motivation - but it was just as important to give the right answer.
"We wanted to prove to everyone that we are the Arsenal that play beautiful football and I was pleased because we were very creative offensively, very strong defensively, that was important."
The two goalscorers, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, in particular made the game look easy - but Flamini warned appearances can be deceptive.
"It is something you have to work hard for," he said. "We are a team that enjoys playing together, enjoys playing beautiful football, but sometimes you can lose that. However, everyone gave 100 per cent and it was beautiful football individually.
"Obviously when the playmaker is doing well the team is doing well too. I am very pleased for him because Ozil is proving game after game he is a top player even if he knew it before. But is a nice surprise to see Mesut Ozil scoring with a header."
Flamini is now looking to play his third game in eight days at Carrow Road - something he has not managed in the whole of 2015. But with Coquelin set to be side-lined for up to three months, the 31-year-old is minded to prove a few people wrong.
He said: "If you don't play every week, it's not easy for an athlete because the more games you have in your legs the better you become, you gain in confidence and you become better physically.
"Football is a competition; it makes you better and stronger. The season is very long, especially in England, so many games and every game you have to give 100 per cent. The games are very physical, I have an opportunity to be back in the team and I will try to prove every game that I can be in the team.
"I believe I can play twice a week for three months but now it is my job to prove it."
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