Alexander Hleb fears his Arsenal team-mates might end up being kicked out of the title challenge by teams who play 'more like rugby teams'.

Hleb has been on the end of some bruising challenges this season, with Mark Noble and John Carew both leaving their mark on the Belarussian.

A combination of injuries and physical battles against Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Portsmouth have seen Arsenal fall behind Manchester United in the title race for the first time, but Hleb has urged his colleagues to keep playing football.

He told Arsenal's official magazine: "If everyone played football like us it would be great, wouldn't it?

"But I don't think that's possible. You are always going to encounter teams who play more like rugby teams. Teams that make it a real battle.

"It can be hard at times, but that's part of football, and it's fine. We just need to carry on playing our game, score early goals and control the ball."