Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla says his team deserve to be at the top of the English Premier League table because they are the best team in the league.

A brace from Cazorla saw the Gunners maintain their place at the top of the league standings after beating Fulham 2-0 on Saturday.

Cazorla admits it was games like Saturday’s one against Fulham which they let slip from their grasp last season that cost them, but this season Arsenal are showing a winning mentality and deserve to be on top.

“There were games last year where we would go 2-0 up and we would end up losing it under pressure (and) for a title-winning team that cannot happen,” said Cazorla.

“This season, the team is much more solid, we are much better at closing out games.

“We need to continue this form, because of Chelsea and Manchester City.

“At the moment, we are showing that we are up there with them.

“Maybe at the start of the season nobody put us up as high as Manchester City or Chelsea, maybe because of the signings they made.

“But it is ultimately demonstrated on the pitch and, right now, Arsenal are above them and our objective is to keep fighting with them.

“In the end, a team like Arsenal, that is striving for trophies, and has gone a fair few years without winning any, the aspirations we should have are to win as many trophies as possible and challenge the best teams.

“Right now, in the Premier League, we are top because, up until now, we have been the best team.

“In the Premier League it is about consistency, who has been the best throughout the season and, right now, we are at a very good level.”