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Defeated O'Leary praises makeshift Arsenal defence
Most-capped Gunners defender picks out 'exceptional players'
ARSENAL’S makeshift back four have won the admiration
of the Gunners most-capped defender, David O’Leary.
The Irishman suffered a miserable return to Highbury on Saturday
as his Aston Villa side were well beaten by Arsenal.
But after watching the Gunners’ patched-up defence in action,
O’Leary was fulsome in his assessment of their abilities.
He said: “I’ve always loved (Kolo) Toure, I just love
the way he plays, the way he smiles and his enthusiasm.
“When Sol Campbell’s fit and right I think there’s
a great partnership there but they still have an exceptional
player in (Philippe) Senderos.
“You’ve got Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy and losing
them has hurt a bit, but all of a sudden (Mathieu) Flamini who
has come in has clicked. They’ve got exceptional players
there.”
The unit of Emmanuel Eboue, Toure, Senderos and Flamini have
conceded only one goal in their last six matches.
The four have shut out the attacking threat of Juventus and
Real Madrid and were due to face their biggest test yet in Italy
last night (Wednesday).
And ahead of that match, Arsene Wenger insisted they are the
ones to watch for the future.
He said: “At the moment they have a lot to prove but they
are getting stronger and stronger and playing with more confidence
now.
“They are all young and can only become better. There are
some good ancestors in front of them to copy.”
Spurs will hope their best defender, skipper Ledley King, is
fit for their clash with Manchester City this weekend.
Arsenal could leapfrog Tottenham with victory over Manchester
Utd should Spurs fail to beat Man City at White Hart Lane.
Spurs struggled at Newcastle without the injured King and will
be desperate to take all three points against Stuart Pearce’s
side. |
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