Almunia warns Arsenal to prepare for battle in their derby clash with Chelsea
27 Nov 2009 - 15:23:50
Manuel Almunia has launched a passionate rallying call demanding Arsenal scrap it out with Chelsea in Sunday's mouthwatering derby duel.
The Gunners are desperate to bounce back from last week's defeat at Sunderland as they attempt to keep pace in the race for the Barclays Premier League.
Gunning for glory: Manuel Almunia is targeting victory over Chelsea
HAVE YOUR SAY... Which is the fiercest derby of them all? The Barclays Premier League hosts three mouthwatering derbies this Sunday with Liverpool making the short trip to Everton, Arsenal welcome their London neighbours Chelsea, while Wolves and Birmingham go head-to-head in the West Midlands. But which English duel is the biggest of them all? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK Arsenal stand eight points behind London rivals Chelsea in the title battle going into the showdown at Emirates.
Arsene Wenger's men again demonstrated their vulnerability to buckle under pressure when they lost 1-0 against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light last Saturday.
As the prepare for their latest derby mission, Almunia has called on every player to stand up and be counted against Chelsea.
'The good thing about this game is that we have to react and it has to be quick,' the Spanish goalkeeper told the London Evening Standard.
'The first opportunity was against Standard Liege but even more against Chelsea because they are one of our direct opponents in the title race. We have to make sure we have no silly mistakes.
'People are used to seeing Arsenal as a great team with beautifulfootball but if we lose our identity for four or five games in theseason, you are not going to win the title. Without your identity, youhave nothing and you will lose.
Setback: Carlos Vela struggles in the defeat against Sunderland
'There are players who can lead this team and have great character but I think more people have to show leadership no matter what age they are. In football, with no character you don't win anything.
Danger: Chelsea striker Didier Drogba
'There are not many old players here but the young ones sometimes don't show the character they have. The older players must also help open the eyes of the younger ones to help them do this.'
Chelsea's giant striker Didier Drogba poses the biggest threat toArsenal on Sunday but Almunia has backed 5ft 11in defender ThomasVermaelen to keep him quiet.
'Thomas has shown he can copewith any striker in Europe,' he added. 'Mentally, he is so strong andphysically he is bigger than his size.
'With William Gallasnext to him he is doing so well and I have no doubts about theirperformances against anyone including Drogba.
'Drogba likesto play against Arsenal but Thomas can match him. He has scored manygoals against us but I only keep good memories in my mind and we haveonly to think about good memories playing against them like when webeat them 2-1 at Stamford Bridge last season.'
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