LONDON - William Gallas believes Arsenal have made their championship rivals "afraid" after their title challenge came through a stern test at Anfield.
The Gunners demonstrated their new-found resilience to fight back from a goal down to earn a deserved 1-1 draw against Liverpool.
But for a glaring miss in front of an open goal by substitute Nicklas Bendtner after Cesc Fabregas' 80th-minute equaliser, Arsene Wenger's emerging squad would have extended their winning run to 13 straight matches.
Nevertheless, Arsenal remain unbeaten in all competitions following a superb start to a campaign which was suppose to offer little hope of silverware in the wake of the summer sale of Thierry Henry.
The Barclays Premier League leaders, however, face another tough examination of their potential when defending champions Manchester United, currently second, come to Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
But Gallas maintains the Gunners have what it takes to stay in the battle over the next seven months.
"We showed everybody we can fight for the title," he declared.
"A lot of people wanted to see how Arsenal would react against a big team like Liverpool and we reacted very well. Maybe we can be disappointed because we didn't win."
The former Chelsea defender continued: "Everybody watched that game in front of their TV and a lot of teams will be afraid of Arsenal.
"Liverpool were maybe a little bit afraid of us and a lot of top teams will be afraid of us again.
"We play well, we can score at any time or we can play the physical game as well."
Arsenal moved back to the top of the table yesterday, above United on goals scored but with a match still in hand.
Liverpool, though, slipped back down to sixth following a fourth home league draw.
Gallas, 30, knows there are plenty more challenges ahead if Arsenal are to finish top of the pile come May.
"For me, it will be very difficult to win the title," the centre-back reflected.
"There are three or four teams who can win it.
"Manchester United will be one of them - but you have another team in Chelsea.
"We have to think about Chelsea as well because they won 6-0 against Manchester City."
Much had been made of how Arsenal would respond to their first real test of the season against one of the other sides expected to challenge for the top four.
Despite passing this latest examination, winger Tomas Rosicky maintains the focus should be on finding consistency in all games, no matter what the opposition.
"A lot of people are saying it is how we play against the big teams, but for me I do not see a problem," Rosicky told Arsenal TV Online.
"We know we are a very good side and just play our own way. The spirit here is very good.
"We showed that against Liverpool and know if we continue to play like this, then we will be successful.
"For me, it does not matter if we play against Liverpool or someone else. Every game in this league is difficult."
Rosicky added: "The next game against Manchester United is of course very important. But we know if we play our game then we have a good chance to win."
Arsenal are in Carling Cup action at Coca-Cola Championship side Sheffield United on Wednesday night, when Wenger is expected to field a young side once again.
Bendtner, 19, is likely to be given a chance to make amends in attack, having opened his account for the season in the last round against Newcastle.
Theo Walcott could also return to the starting XI after coming off the bench at Anfield.
