Manchester City's Samir Nasri: Arsenal must start winning ugly

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has suggested his former club Arsenal need to start winning ugly if they are to end their trophy drought, which is approaching seven years.

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Since leaving the Gunners in the summer, Nasri has joined a club fighting for titles throughout the season, with City currently leading the Premier League table.

It is City's combination of flair and determination Nasri believes is missing from Arsene Wenger’s repertoire.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Nasri said: “In football, sometimes it’s good to win ugly – you don’t always have to play good football to win,” Nasri said.

“Arsenal play good football, but after seven years they haven't won, so that’s difficult for them. We did it [won ugly] against Aston Villa and Porto, but the problem is that everyone is used to 5-1 and 6-1 victories and, in a season, you have moments where you don’t feel the same way.

"It’s important to win points and win games and that’s what we have done. I wanted Arsenal to win the FA Cup or something because I have respect for the players there and the manager.

"I don’t want Arsenal to fall down. But I have never doubted that I made the right choice in coming here. We are top of the league and still on course for the Europa League, so I’m really happy.”

The France international also briefly spoke about how he has had to adapt to life at the Etihad Stadium, pointing out that he is playing in a slightly different system.

He concluded: “At Arsenal, I was playing a little bit higher up the pitch but here we are 4-4-2, so you have to work more defensively. It’s not the same, so you need time to settle.”