Arsenal’s impressive keeper, Manuel Almunia, not happy with the Gunners’ approach against Barcelona
Arsenal’s goalkeeper, Manuel Almunia, has expressed his disappointment over lack of spirit shown by his teammates in the Gunners’ 3-1 defeat against Barcelona in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League knock-out fixture at Nou Camp on 8th
March, 2011.
He said, “Barcelona bossed us and in the second half we had players that were not running. We only needed one goal and with a bit more effort we could have caused them damage at the end. Even at 3-1, we only needed one goal and, well, you can't understand
how there can be players that were walking”.
“So the only explanation I have is that we were so tired and the players couldn't give any more. And down to 10 men, it was double the effort. We came up against a Barcelona side that are the best in the world", added Almunia.
Manuel Almunia was not initially named in Arsenal’s starting eleven against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 at Nou Camp.
However, the Spaniard was called on after Wojciech Szczesny injured his ankle while saving a long range effort from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Dani-Alves-c9869 in the 19th minute.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wojciech-Szczesny-c36998 after a string of disappointing performances in the start of the season.
The 33-year-old was at fault when http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 lost their first game at Emirates against West Bromwich Albion by three goals to two.
However, it was not the case when he came on against Barcelona. The Spaniard was exceptional at Nou Camp and managed to keep the Catalans at bay for most of the game.
The former Atletico Madrid keeper made some spectacular saves in the starting minutes and kept Arsenal’s hopes of Champions League alive. Almunia seemed to have formed a formidable wall as he was not letting any ball pass through to his goal.
However, Almunia’s fine form also could not help Arsenal secure a win against Barcelona and in the injury time of the first half, the Catalans managed to find a breakthrough.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lionel-Messi-c22296 delicately chipped the ball over the Spaniard, who had no chance but to see the ball hit the back of the net.
Arsenal’s keeper was unlucky in Barcelona’s second goal, as the ball took a deflection of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bacary-Sagna-c7148 after Xavi tried a shot from inside the penalty box.
The Gunners failed to even register a shot at Barcelona and Almunia was not at all happy with his team’s approach against Barcelona.
Overall, it was an impressive performance from Almunia, who is likely to force his way back into the starting-eleven after an amazing performance at Nou Camp.
The veteran is expected to start in Arsenal’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
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