Manuel Almunia believes Arsenal lack killer instinct
Former English Premier League champions Arsenal have blown hot and cold this season, after scoring 6 goals past Blackpool Arsenal could not close the deal against Sunderland and suffered a 1-1 draw through a stoppage time equalizer
by Darren Bent.
The Gunners could have been top of the table for a day had they managed to get all 3 points. The team’s Spanish goalkeeper Manuel Almunia believes that his team lacks killer instinct in front of the goal. He said that Arsenal need
to have more clinical finishing at the front if they are to offer a serious chellange this season for the title.
Arsenal had taken the lead through a freak goal, when Anton Ferdinand’s clearance rebounded over the keeper for a 40 yard goal. The visitors were reduced to 10 men early in the 2nd half when Alex Song was shown a red.
However they did have enough chances to double their advantage in the 2nd half but did not make good use of them. Thomas Rosicky did get a golden chance to seal the 3 points when he stepped up to take the penalty but he ended up blasting it well
over.
Almunia believes that his team has immense depth, quality and talent to go all the way this season. But the number of missed chances in attack is one thing they need to improve on. He said that teams like Manchester United and
Chelsea have a habit of killing of matches when they get one goal, normally they get one or two more and put the game to bed. Arsenal however wasted a host of chances and had to pay a heavy price in the end.
Almunia said: "In the last second of the game, it is a big kick against us, but this is football,"
"Last season we won some games in the last few minutes, and this can happen in every game.
"Even though we were winning 1-0 with not much danger in our box, we needed to get another goal to make sure the three points would be for us.
The goalkeeper, who was believed to be out of favour at Arsenal as the manager was fighting hard to bring Mark Schwarzer to Emirates in the summer, said that the build up play from his team is probably the best in the league. But
the lack of focus in the final 3rd of the pitch is causing them problems.
He added: "I think we have to be more focused in the final few metres and have to have a killer instinct [in front of goal]."
"Each player is a bit older every year, and every year we are learning a bit more. Football gives you experience.
The Spanish number 3 said that the bunch of players at Arsenal have been together for a while now, and the players have matured over the last few years. He added that talent alone cannot win the team trophies and some maturity
along with the raw talent would help the team great degree, and it is high time that the young players in the team take the next step and make things happen for the club.
"We have had the same players for a few years, we know each other very well and play fantastic football - but still we have to get this point of maturity which will give us the step forwards."
The Spaniard had been under the cosh last season for number of infamous houlers, and even was booed by his own fans. He said that goalkeeping is a thankless job and no matter how much one tries there is bound to be one error that
would stand out and would wash away all the good work. Almunia added that he is determined to fight for his place in the team, and knows that Arsenal is a team destined for big things in near future. He added that he would love to be part of the team that
once again wins the Premier League. He went on to say that Wenger has put in a lot of hard work in the team, and the time to get the rewards is not far away. Finally the goalkeeper reassured the fans that he is totally committed to the team and will not be
leaving anytime soon.
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