The Gunners skipper believes fear is holding the side back at the moment, with Arsene Wenger yet to get his troops firing on all cylinders in the heavyweight matches.
A 1-0 defeat to rivals Manchester United last time out once again highlighted Arsenal's weaknesses when it comes to competing on the grandest of stages.
Fabregas admits that is an issue they need to address if they are to be considered serious contenders for major silverware this term, with a number of those around them in the table fully aware of what it takes to emerge on top.

"The difference on the night (against United) was that we were scared of losing but they were not scared of winning," he said.
"That was the big difference that played in our heads. Sometimes we seem scared of losing these big games. We don't really go for it and we're tempted to drop back and see what the opposition will do.
"We look to see if we are capable of beating them by what they are doing and how good they are on the day instead of us going forward causing them problems and dominating the game ourselves."
He added: "They have a belief that comes from not losing at all this season. That gives you a lot of help mentally.
"I am realising more and more that football is about confidence and mentality.
"Sometimes you do the right thing, but if people tell you it is not right, you start believing it, even though you were right at first."