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I would like to hear my praises sung, says Song
James Olley20.03.09
Alex Song today claimed he does not get the credit he deserves as Arsenal's defensive midfield linchpin.
With injuries to Cesc Fabregas and Abou Diaby compounding the departure of Mathieu Flamini last summer, the 21-year-old has become a key figure alongside Denilson in the Gunners' engine room.
Song has made 23 Premier League appearances this season - a substantial increase considering he made only nine in the whole of last term - and featured in all but one of the club's Champions League matches.
The Cameroonian is set to play again in tomorrow evening's trip to Newcastle and said: "My job is to work for the team but people don't realise this. When I made those two goals against Burnley people noticed me but I always try to do my job and when the opposition don't score, I think I've done well.
"I know I'm not the guy in the team who has to be offensive - I can do it but it's not my main role.
"We have players who can do that and when Denilson or whoever goes forward, I stay back. But that doesn't mean I don't go forward when I get the opportunity to. My job in the team is a more defensive one than that of Abou, Denilson and Cesc."
Song believes Arsenal have the momentum heading into the League run-in, having overtaken Aston Villa in the race for fourth place before Fabregas, Tomas Rosicky, Eduardo and Emmanuel Adebayor return from injury in the coming weeks.
He said: "We've had a lot of injuries which has made things tough. But we have the Champions League and FA Cup still to aim for and all the players are coming back. Hopefully we'll have a fully fit squad for the next round of the Champions League. I'm sure we can finish the season very strongly."
Manuel Almunia is set to return to the starting line-up after overcoming an ankle injury sustained in the 4-0 win over Blackburn last weekend.
Fabregas took part in his first full contact training session since 21 December but will not be in the squad. Mikael Silvestre could feature after returning to training following a calf problem but Adebayor has not recovered from a hamstring injury.
Reader views (8)
Good d, iam one of the gunners fan in nig. but my observation or the comment about the club is that by g etting more plays,becouse the club its is facing alot of conditions.the condions that facing the club know no experience plays that the are working with the knowlege.the problems that the club facing no susbtitude the plays the cannot rise.pls the club manager my advise given to you is that next year try you base and get expensive plays that can play more than this children.
- Bello M. Waziri, nigeria
Noticed lately that Liverpool say they will chase Barry again this summer and if we (Arsenal) finish 4th then Barry will definately go. Does this mean Wenger will go for Alonso? I hope so, to see him and Csec as our central midfielders would be fantastic and great for Denilson,Diaby & Ramsey to learn from Alonso. Hope this happens!
- Newmy, Milton Keynes
How about ........Song, Song, Blue, weeping like a willow, Song, Song Who, crying in his pillow, Funny thing, but you can sing it with a laugh in your voice, And before you know it, start to feeling good Your simply not first choice
- Paxton, N17
Song has been good, but he is wrong in saying he is the more defensive player when he is partnered with Denilson. He attacks and Denilson sits back.
However, he has played very well, but Denilson will play that position.
- Tom The Gooner, London
Song has been steadily improving and if he adds a bit of 'Essien' bite to his game he will become a top quality player.
- Rob Gooner, North London
Alex your right on Song!! Stay on top of your game,more good performances and you will feel the real love of the fans.
- Anthony, North London. UK
alex has been awesome last few weeks and is only gonna get better. dont worry alex the arsenal fans have noticed mate
- Tiny, tenerife
Couldn't agree more Alex, great improvment this season especially after xmas keep it up!!
- Dean, London uk
