By ESPNsoccernet staff
Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has urged his team-mates to prove their mettle ahead of their weekend clash against Bolton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium.
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Arsenal slumped to a hugely disappointing 4-3 loss in their last Premier League outing at Blackburn, courtesy of two own goals conceded, to confirm their worst start to a season for 58 years.
They have a chance to get back on track when they host Bolton on Saturday, and Dutch striker Van Persie has challenged the Gunners to play with confidence and without fear as they lo ok to quieten their growing critics.
He said: "It is important that we stay positive - that can be hard because everyone is frustrated and we realise that this is our worst start in the league for a while, but we have to stay together, be strong and make sure not to hide or become introverted.
"Games like Saturday's happen, but we must not go into our shell. We should be proud of who we are and aware that we are only five games in with so much still to play for.
"The facts are we went in front twice (against Blackburn) and didn't defend well enough thereafter. It is strange because in earlier games, Udinese being a classic example, we had managed to do it - fighting for a good result and keeping it. Now we have to show people we can do it week in, week out.
"Yes, we were a bit unlucky at Ewood Park, but I am someone who believes you bring luck to yourselves - and scoring two own goals is not down to bad luck. We don't blame individuals, but we have to look a bit more closely at things."
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