Arsenal squad in need of a break, admits Flamini

The Gunners' 10-game winning streak came to an end against West Brom and the summer returnee believes the squad are in need of a rest after climbing to the top of the table

Mathieu Flamini believes the international break could not have come at a better time for Arsenal after their winning streak came to an end against West Brom.

The Gunners' 10-game run was halted with a 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns on Sunday, with the squad now departing for international commitments for the next 10 days.

Flamini has started and finished Arsenal's last four Premier League games as they climbed to top spot in the table but admits he, and the squad, are already struggling with fatigue.

"I think [the international break] comes at a really good time because we have played a lot," Flamini told the club's official website. 

"Obviously everybody is tired physically and tired mentally because you have to give 200 per cent in every single game.

"For us it is a chance to have players coming back into the group like maybe Theo [Walcott] and Santi [Cazorla]. I hope everyone will be back soon."

Despite earning his week off, Flamini says that the demands of the Premier League have not let up during his five-year stay with AC Milan.

"I don’t think it is harder - the Premier League was very hard before and it is still as hard as before," he added.

"Top players were playing in the Premier League before and top players are still playing in the Premier League now. That means it's very physical and very quick from one side to another.

"The transition from the defence to the attack is very quick. We have a lot of space also and of course for me it is the most difficult championship. We can see that every time on the pitch."