Source: Team_Talk
Take notice of us - Zabaleta
Pablo Zabaleta is calling on Manchester City to make a statement about their own ambitions by dismantling Arsenal tomorrow.[LNB] City tackle the Gunners knowing victory would take them six points clear of Arsene Wenger's men and establish themselves as the most likely side to dethrone Chelsea this term.[LNB]It represents rapid progress given the Blues did not even have a European campaign last season, and, at the start of this one, had their title credentials being written off by manager Roberto Mancini.[LNB]Now Zabaleta is hoping to use a defeat of the Gunners to stamp City's mark on English football.[LNB]"This is a very important game for us," said the City utility man.[LNB]"If we could beat Arsenal it would send out a big message to the rest of the league.[LNB]"Over the past couple of seasons, we have performed very well against the big teams.[LNB]"Arsenal are one of them. They have some fantastic players and are playing really well. We must do the same."[LNB]Yet in "making a statement", Zabaleta acknowledges it would blow apart one of City's major weapons at a far earlier stage than even they anticipated.[LNB]When assessments were being made about this season's championship, Chelsea were quite rightly installed as favourites.[LNB]Manchester United were generally regarded as the next best, with Arsenal not too far behind.[LNB]City were mentioned. But respected judges felt a Champions League berth would be the summit of their achievements.[LNB]In that sense, Mancini was playing to an audience when he declared his team were not good enough to win the title.[LNB]Zabaleta acknowledges it was part of a wider strategy.[LNB]"It is better if people talk about other teams," he said.[LNB]"It makes it easier for us.[LNB]"But deep down we are very confident in our quality.[LNB]"We have some fantastic players and results are going well.[LNB]"We still need to work hard but everyone believes we can win trophies."[LNB]Tellingly, City have also shaken off some of their famed inconsistency.[LNB]Even this season they followed up a defeat of Liverpool by losing at Sunderland and drawing on home soil against Blackburn thanks to a bizarre gift-goal provided by Joe Hart.[LNB]There has been the odd hiccup since, notably a Carling Cup exit at West Brom. Other than that, the only blemish was a Europa League draw with Juventus last month, which hardly appears significant now City are firmly entrenched at the top of Group A and virtually certain to reach the knockout phase.[LNB]"We are a lot more consistent this season," confirmed Zabaleta.[LNB]"We have a lot of players in this squad, so the rotation has been important.[LNB]"Everyone has had the opportunity to play a lot of games, which is important when you talk about team morale and generating momentum."[LNB]Emmanuel Adebayor certainly seized the chance to boost his own confidence, scoring a Europa League hat-trick to put him in line for an appearance against his old club.[LNB]However, Zabaleta recognises it is not just the former Gunners striker who is feeling an upsurge at the minute.[LNB]Just looking at the Premier League table is enough to put a spring in City's step.[LNB]"We can take a lot of confidence into the Arsenal game," he said.[LNB]"We are in a very good position in the league but we need to stay in second position.[LNB]"The good thing is we have got to the stage now where we expect to win every game.[LNB]"Tomorrow will be difficult, but the prize of being six points ahead is a big one."
