Andrew Crofts wants Norwich City to take heart from the fact they were in with a chance of taking a point from in-form Arsenal right up to the final whistle.

While the Gunners had the lion's share of possession and chances at Carrow Road in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off, the Canaries momentarily threatened a surprise when Steve Morison gave City a first-half lead.

And despite Robin van Persie's brace in reply City were still in with a sniff of earning a draw up to Bradley Johnson's injury-time free-kick, which was well claimed by Wojciech Szczesny.

'They are a really good side and they are flying high at the moment, playing some real good stuff,' said Crofts. 'They took the three points, which is great for them, and we are really disappointed because we go into every game wanting to win.

'We couldn't come away with something, today wasn't our day but we weren't totally turned over and we will go again next Saturday.

'We wanted to get into them because we know how good at passing they are and they have done that for a number of years, and you can see why they are such a good side. They have got a lot of world class players and they play good stuff.

'But we were in it right up to the end and I think we have been in every game we have played so far – we kept going, kept driving forward – it's a compliment in a way, but we are not just here to make up the numbers and we want to pick up more points than not.'

Centre-back Russell Martin's trio of goalline clearances – one an incredible intervention when Theo Walcott looked certain to score – summed up City's commitment, but the defender's day was spoiled as his dallying led to Van Persie's 59th minute winner.

'Russ will pick himself up and go again, because that's the lad he is,' said Crofts. 'You take that (mistake) out and he has had a great game.

'He made that one clearance in the first half – if he isn't there it is a goal, so that is as good as scoring because he has kept one out and at that time it was crucial as well.'

Grant Holt's tumble in the box late on earned a yellow for diving rather than a penalty – an incident Crofts said he didn't see. But the Wales midfielder was delighted his international and club team-mate Morison made it three goals in three top-flight games, and enjoyed pitting himself against – rather than alongside – Wales colleague Aaron Ramsey.

'There are positives, definitely – we've had a few chances ourselves; Moro took his goal really well, through his hard work and persistence and his hard work is paying off,' added Crofts.

'Aaron is a great player and he's only young as well, so he has got a lot of good years in front of him and it was good playing against him.

'It was a good experience but obviously one that you're not happy with because you have come away with nothing.'

From taking on one of English football's big boys, next Saturday sees Carrow Road host Queens Park Rangers – the only team to finish above City in the Championship last season and the kind of game that could dictate City's Premier League survival hopes.

'I think every game we play there is massive pressure – that's why you are in this league, because you want that pressure; you want to play against great teams every week and next Saturday is massive,' said Crofts.

'QPR play some great stuff as well. We played against them last year but they will have quite a different side out this time. But it will be one we are looking forward to and hopefully we will go and win that one.

'They are the games you want to win and we'll do our utmost to do that.'

Successive defeats have not dented the spirit at City, says Crofts – who is desperate to remain a part of Paul Lambert's starting XI.

'I'm hungry as to keep playing week in week out and I will be working as hard as I can to make sure that happens,' added Crofts. 'I'm loving the Premier League. You work so hard to get into this league and it's all about staying in it, and hopefully we do that.'