NORWICH City goalkeeper John Ruddy believes his side are 'more than capable' of challenging Barclays Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal when they visit Carrow Road on Sunday (4:15pm).

Arsene Wenger's men were beaten 2-1 by West Bromwich Albion last weekend, having previously avoided defeat in the top-flight since a controversial 2-0 loss at Chelsea in September.

Speaking to the media at Colney Training Centre on Thursday, Ruddy said: "We take every game as it comes, which is what the gaffer set as the benchmark straight from the off.

"We'll prepare in the right manner by looking to be hard to beat, while also causing them problems. They have a high-quality squad, and it's up to us to upset them by taking something from the game.

"Our performances at Manchester City and Chelsea showed we can frustrate good teams. Coming away from those games disappointed with narrow defeats is a good sign for us.

"It's now about finding the balance between being defensively solid and still causing problems for teams. There are a lot of points on offer at this stage of the season, and we want to pick up as many as possible.

"That starts on Sunday for us. If the crowd are behind us and we play to our capabilities then I don't see why we can't get a result."

Ruddy currently sits just one appearance away from 200 for the Club in all competitions, having joined City from Everton in the summer of 2010.

Despite largely monopolising the number one shirt since making the switch to Norfolk, the 29-year-old continues to strive for individual improvement.

"Personally, I don't think I've been as good this season as I have in previous years," he explained reflectively.

"That's football, but form is temporary. I'm confident in my own ability as a goalkeeper because I've played at the highest level.

"I've played well in some games, then not so well in others. I set myself very high standards to meet as a Premier League goalkeeper, and I pride myself on that.

"I know, more often than not, my performances will be there. It's just making sure the consistency level is there too.

"I'm hyper-critical of my own performances, which drives me on to become a better goalkeeper."

JOHN RUDDY: EVERY GAME AN OPPORTUNITY

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