The Gunners kick-started their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea after coming from behind at Stamford Bridge.

Although still some eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool - who must come to Emirates Stadium on December 21 - it was a second win over their direct rivals, having also seen off Manchester United last month.

It marked the end of a troubled spell both on and off the pitch for Arsene Wenger's men, now led by new skipper Cesc Fabregas after William Gallas was stripped of the captaincy for airing his controversial views in public.

However, Nasri insists the Gunners are a united dressing room and all the negative comments from pundits are completely unjustified.

"There is lots of relentless criticism about Arsenal that is not fair, but now it is up to us to stop talking, to work hard at training and to show on the pitch that all of that is nonsense," the France winger declared.

"We know the quality we have, we know what is in our dressing room and that everything is okay at the club so we can prove them wrong."

Nasri was Wenger's main summer transfer, arriving from Marseille in a £12million deal.

The 21-year-old had an instant impact when he scored on his debut against West Brom on the opening day and also netted a brace in the 2-1 win over United.

"I am very pleased with my four months here so far," said Nasri, who has had his fair share of injury problems in the past.

"The atmosphere is excellent, and the club is like a real family, so the time I have spent has been really special.

"It was fantastic to make my debut for Arsenal and score in the same game.

"Working with this team and with the boss has been great and I feel very comfortable with them - so with this and the early goal, my integration has come about very, very quickly."

Nasri added: "I knew a good number of the players already from the French national team, and I knew the boss very well too.

"So from playing with the France squad, I got to know a lot about the English league, it made things easier.

"Now I hope that my adaptation can continue as well as it has begun."

Arsenal's youngsters were knocked out of the Carling Cup at Championship side Burnley in midweek, and Wenger will recall his first-team regulars for Saturday's Premier League clash at home to Wigan.

The Latics were beaten 3-0 at Emirates in the last round of the cup, but nevertheless will present another test of the Gunners' title credentials.

Successive league defeats followed the win over United, and defender Gael Clichy knows there can be no more mistakes - with the likes of Hull, Stoke, Fulham and Manchester City having all beaten Arsenal this season.

Clichy told Arsenal TV Online: "If we can perform like we did against Chelsea week in and week out, then we have a good chance to achieve great things.

"Big games and small games all have the same importance, because they all have three points at the end.

"Now we cannot afford to drop any more points and must really go for it."

He added: "If we win against Wigan, then we can say we are improving, but if we do not then we will be in the same situation as after the Manchester United game, when we had a big win and then a disappointment.

"I think everyone has learned their lesson and this is a new start now.

"We have to play against these sides with a great desire, because they are going to want to beat the big teams and will give everything."

Wenger confirmed on Thursday night that Arsenal would be without Gallas for the visit of Wigan after he failed to shake off a calf injury.

However, Kolo Toure is set to return to the squad after a similar problem.

Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: "We certainly lose Gallas for Saturday but we have of course Mikael Silvestre, who will be available.

"We have Kolo Toure available again and he is more suited to playing on the right side [of central defence]. We will see until Saturday how well he is.

"Eboue could be back in the group and Diaby could be available from next week onwards. Djourou is fine."

The Arsenal manager also confirmed striker Eduardo was on course for an imminent return after recovering from a broken leg.

"As soon as possible, he will play now," Wenger said. "He is joining in full training matches, but he needs games now."