Source: Daily_Mail
Arsenal's Alex Song keen to sign off in style ahead of African Nations Cup
Cameroon midfielder Alex Song wants to "finish the job" by guiding Arsenal into the fourth round of the FA Cup before heading off on international duty. [LNB]The Gunners travel to West Ham on the back of a six-match unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League, which has seen them reduce the deficit on leaders Chelsea down to just four points - and with a game in hand. [LNB]Song, 22, has proven himself an important member of Arsenal's new-look midfield this season, acting as a defensive foil for captain Cesc Fabregas, set to be out for a couple of weeks with a hamstring problem. [LNB]In tune: Song scores Arsenal's fourth against Portsmouth on Wednesday [LNB]However, should the Indomitable Lions reach the African Nations Cupfinal on January 31, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger will have to dowithout the combative midfielder for some key clashes, includingshowdowns against Aston Villa and Manchester United. [LNB]Song - whoscored in the 4-1 win at bottom club Portsmouth on Wednesday night -intends to sign off in style. [LNB] 'I want to go away to the African Nations Cup having finished thejob here, leaving the team in a strong position,' he said. [LNB]Just for laughs: Alex Song has been an ever-present for Arsenal this season [LNB][LNB]'While I am away, I will still have my eyes on what is happeninghere, because this season is so important for every player in theArsenal squad. [LNB]'I am confident that when I go, we have the players who can do avery good job.' [LNB]Song called on his team-mates to continue theirefforts in his absence. [LNB]'The players are confident, and we all really want to do something this season,' he said. [LNB]'When we lost against Chelsea, the boss said we just have to concentrate to improve because we knew Chelsea could drop points. [LNB]'We do not want to have any regrets, and when we have theopportunity we have to play well - when we play like we did againstPortsmouth, nobody can beat us. [LNB]'Every player wants to give 100% and is ready for the fight, to continue to improve. [LNB]'Last year maybe we missed something, now when we make one mistake we learn from the mistake.' [LNB]Wenger is set to rotate his squad for the trip to Upton Park,mindful of next week's crucial Premier League game against Bolton. [LNB] Title contenders? Arsenal are four points behind Premier League pace setters Chelsea [LNB][LNB]Arsenal threw away a two-goal lead during the closing stages of their league clash against the Hammers back in October. [LNB]But midfielder Aaron Ramsey does not expect his team-mates to make the same mistakes twice. [LNB]'It will be tough at West Ham, but we believe we can go into the game and get the right result,' he said. [LNB]'When you are in matches where you are 2-0 up, the next goal is soimportant because if the other team get it, you are under pressureagain, they start to believe - you have to keep switched on.'[LNB] VIDEO SPECIAL: Sportsmail's top 10 FA Cup third round shock exitsWest Ham beg for FA Cup fans in email pleading for '12th man' against ArsenalWenger signs a striker! Arsenal seal deal for Brazil wonderkid Wellington ARSENAL FC
