Almunia: Defence is improving

Results

Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
28 Aug	3:00 PM	P	Blackburn Rovers (A)	2	1	Win

Manuel Almunia was pleased with Arsenal's defensive display in their win against Blackburn today.

Sam Allardyce's side targetted Arsenal's defence with long balls into the box from throw-ins and set-pieces, but Almunia and his back four remained strong to help guide the Gunners to victory.

A Laurent Koscienly error helped Rovers back into the game, but Almunia generally feels that Arsenal are better equipped for these difficult away games now.

After the game, he said: "We have improved our defensive work, I think the team is more strong.

"The boys did well today, everyone realises how hard the league is and tries to get better every year."

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce admits he was disappointed not to get at least a point against Arsenal today, a side he feels he knows how to play against.

He said: "There were period of times where we looked better than Arsenal in terms of attacking form.

"We worked very hard on a game plan about Arsenal holding a high line and playing ball down the sides and in behind which was evident that we were getting success there and we should have capitalised on it more.

"As always if you don't punish the opposition when you are in full flow, and get the goals that you create from those chances then a team like Arsenal can punish you."

User Comments

User Comments

• Got something to say?
• Read comments

Vs chelsea