Bruce remains upbeat

Last updated : 12 January 2003 By Brian Cartlidge
Bruce was quick to point out that in Arsenal, Blues had been beaten by one of Europe's top teams.

"We've got to keep things in perspective because we were playing against a world class side and they gave us a footballing lesson," said Bruce.

"We will pick ourselves up and go again. We must learn that we have to defend better. Certainly against Arsenal you can't give them a goal start after five minutes.

"But a big plus for us was Dugarry, who was absolutely magnificent on his home debut.

"I've told the players we have got to keep our heads up. A year ago we were playing Stockport and Grimsby. Now our ambition is to stay in the Premier League.

"We can't let ourselves get too downhearted. We have got to brush ourselves down and hold our nerve.

"We have done okay in the league so far and we knew this would be our most difficult period. I think we will need another four wins, possibly 40 points is there."

Arsenal Match Report