EWOOD number one Brad Friedel today hailed the current Blackburn team as the best he's played in during his seven years at the club.

After watching Rovers match Arsenal man for man during a gripping contest at Ewood last weekend, Friedel is adamant he and his team-mates have no reason to fear anyone in the Premiership this term.

And the veteran keeper believes Mark Hughes' squad even has the potential to challenge for a top four spot over the next nine months, providing key men steer clear of injuries.

Heartened by that gutsy 1-1 draw with the Gunners, a bullish Friedel said: "I think for one of the first times since I've been at the club, man-for-man we were every bit as good as Arsenal, if not better than them, walking out in the tunnel.

"When we finished in sixth position a few years ago, we had a very, very good squad, with Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Damien Duff and Matt Jansen.

"But I think this squad is probably even stronger, and that's why for the first time since we've lined up against Arsenal, I think we matched them.

"That's a big difference from playing against the likes of Bergkamp, Vieira, Overmars, Petit, Adams and Keown.

"I'm not taking anything away from Arsenal by saying that. They are an outstanding team, but I think our squad has got a lot stronger.

"When we go into games now, we feel that we should be getting points every time. If we don't get points, then we feel very disappointed."

Rovers showed great character and commitment to come back from a goal down against the Gunners last weekend, David Dunn earning a valuable point with a long-range drive that deceived Jens Lehmann.

But instead of being praised for their fighting spirit afterwards, Friedel and his team-mates found themselves having to defend their tactics after Arsene Wenger rather ungraciously accused them of displaying a desire for violence rather than commitment.' Speaking ahead of today's trip to Everton, Friedel said: "I think most people perceive us as a very strong club on the pitch who are very difficult to play against.

"This bullying tag and people saying that our players are bordering on violence is absurd. Absolutely absurd.

"I go home and watch videos of all of our games afterwards, and not one challenge in the game against Arsenal was bordering on violent. Not one.

"Are we physical? Yes, absolutely. But we don't border on violent behaviour and all that.

"I think a lot of the big clubs are trying to deflect (criticism) for some reason.

"If another team plays well against them, why not just come out and say They played well against us'.

"I don't get it. It's not going to put a slight on their club.

"The Chelseas, Liverpools and Manchester Uniteds are outstanding clubs and they don't have to come out and say things like that, but they do and then some of the journalists like to run with it."

Everton's new signing, Yakubu, misses out today because his work permit has not come through in time.