Abou Diaby has stressed that he is different from Patrick Vieira, though he has revealed that he treats the comparison as a compliment.

Diaby has evolved as a player in his three seasons with Arsenal and started the season in style as he bagged a brace in the Gunners' opener against Portsmouth.

The midfielder was on the scoresheet as well last weekend when he scored against Birmingham City to guide Arsenal to their fourth consecutive victory.

While Diaby feels flattered by the praise comparing him to his idol Vieira, he believes that the comparison is way off the mark.

"He is a big idol for me and I learned a lot from watching him," he told The Sun.

"The way he defends and the way he penetrates defenders to get in the box - he has been a big influence.

"People make the comparison between us because I'm tall like him but I believe our game is very different.

"He is much more aggressive than me and much stronger."

Arsenal take on West Ham and they hope to resume winning in the league after a draw against AZ Alkmaar in the Champions League.

A win away at Upton Park will elevate Arsene Wenger's charges to title contention but Diaby knows hi team must improve in a few specific areas if his side is to mount a challenge for the title.

He added:  "We always try to be stronger and concede less goals - but we score plenty too and people should not forget that."