Manchester United captain Roy Keane has vowed to silence his doubters by playing on for three more years at Old Trafford.
Fears have been raised over the 31-year-old midfielder's ability to continue to compete at the highest level as he battles to regain his best form following hip and knee surgery this campaign.
"People are saying I'm not the player I was and I'm finished with football," said Keane.
"I've been a professional for 13 years and had a lot of pats on the back but this is the worst criticism I have had in my career.
"You have to try not to get too carried away with the success and try not to get too down with all the negative stuff.
"I have not played as well as I can, but I am not playing as badly as some are suggesting. I have no doubt that I will get back to my best, no doubt at all.
"I am more than confident I will be as good as ever and playing at the top level for another three years.
"Please God, I have three years left at Manchester United, but if not I still think I will be playing at the top level somewhere."
Meanwhile, defensive weaknesses and a lack of consistency have undermined Arsenal's title bid according to Manchester United's David Beckham.
"I do admire what Arsenal have achieved in recent seasons," Beckham said. "But, ultimately, it comes down to a matter of doing it consistently.
"We've won seven of the last nine Premiership titles so they need to prove themselves over the next few seasons both domestically and on the European stage.
"Over the last few months we have shown we are back to our best. And that consistency is there for all to see."
The English FA have referred incidents involving Leeds full back Danny Mills and Everton's Duncan Ferguson last weekend to their video advisory panel, with both players facing the possibility of a three-match ban.
The authorities have requested television footage of Mills' tackle on the Blackburn full back Vratislav Gresko, which broke three bones in the Slovakian's foot, and Ferguson's elbow on Joey Gudjonsson of Aston Villa during Everton's 2-1 win on Saturday.
The English FA yesterday admitted what many followers of the game in England have known for years: that support for the national team is dominated by a significant minority of young, white racists bent on trouble.
The frank admission from English football's governing body came as it announced that it will not take up its allocation of tickets for supporters for the crucial Euro 2004 qualifying match in Turkey in October.
The unprecedented step - expected to be ratified next week - follows England's home game against Turkey last month which was marred by racist chanting, pitch invasions and violent clashes between England supporters and police.
