Almunia: long balls don't scare us
Updated on 09 January 2009
Manuel Almunia claims Arsenal have exorcised their defensive demons as the Gunners look to force themselves back into contention with victory over Bolton tomorrow.
Arsenal have been less than watertight at the back this season, and are well behind the top three on goal difference, not to mention back down in fifth place and some 10 points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
Manager Arsene Wenger, though, feels that has changed in recent games following "a small change to the structure of the team".
Goalkeeper Almunia is convinced the Arsenal defence is now ready to show their mean streak once again.
"We have had bad moments against the kind of team that play long balls, lots of crosses," the 31 year-old told Arsenal TV Online.
"The attitude of the team has changed over the past few games. We are finding our way and our origins and the desire to win and show the strength of the team."
The Gunners will be without Mikael Silvestre and William Gallas, who will be out for around three weeks with respective thigh and hamstring problems.
Kolo Toure - who has been the subject of a reported £10m bid from Manchester City - is expected to return after missing the FA Cup win over Plymouth with a groin injury, along with full-back Gael Clichy.
Almunia added: "Every single player realised that we have to not only play when we have the ball, but we have to play without the ball too. This is the work that we have to practise every day and we are doing that now."
Despite the fact Arsenal have already lost to Stoke, Hull and Fulham; Bolton boss Gary Megson did not sound in confident mood ahead of his side's clash with the Gunners.
He bemoaned the fact Bolton had not beaten a top four side this season and said the big clubs were getting "stronger and stronger".
