Some critics have ruled out Arsenal as serious title contenders - and Wojciech Szczesny is fine with that.
The Arsenal goalkeeper is preparing for arguably the toughest test of the season so far, against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Arsene Wenger's side are five points clear at the top of the Premier League - and six ahead of City - but doubts remain over their credentials.
"We don't need people to take us seriously, the longer they don't take us seriously I think it's better for us - we'll take advantage of that"
Wojciech Szczesny
"If we can't be taken seriously just yet when we're five points on top of the league then it's good for us," responded Szczesny.
"We don't need people to take us seriously, the longer they don't take us seriously I think it's better for us - we'll take advantage of that.
"The fact that we're five points clear at the top of the table is a motivating factor, not the people who are not taking us seriously."
Szczesny is part of an Arsenal rearguard that has conceded just 11 goals in the top flight this season - a Premier League best. But that record will come under serious examination against the division's top scorers.
"Obviously we do know about their [Man City] goalscoring record at home this season and we've not conceded a lot of goals," said Szczesny. "So we hope for a good defensive performance and hopefully we can get the away result like we've been getting over the last few months.
"Every game is a big test for us because we showed everyone that we have the quality to be at the top of the Premier League. It is a test for us to show people that we are actually consistent and we can deal with the pressure and can perform every single week.
"Whether it's against Man City away or Hull at home or Everton, it doesn't make a difference."
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