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Abou Diaby out to expose Reds' frailty
James Olley28 Apr 2009
Abou Diaby has challenged Arsenal to expose the weaknesses shown by Manchester United in recent matches when the Gunners visit Old Trafford.
United have conceded six goals in their last four home games in all competitions, including falling 2-0 behind to Tottenham last weekend.
Although Sir Alex Ferguson's side roared back to beat Harry Redknapp's side 5-2, midfielder Diaby believes there were enough signs of defensive fragility to encourage his team-mates ahead of their Champions League semi-final, first-leg showdown.
He said: "The first thing to say is that United are a great team. Whatever their form is like, they are still packed with great players who can make the difference at any time.
"However, they are not in their best form - maybe it's an opportunity for us to make the most of it and profit from it.
"That's not the main thing, though. We will concentrate on our game knowing that if we play we have a good chance."
Arsenal are undefeated in 20 Premier League matches and have seemingly hit form at the right time despite the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Chelsea.
And Diaby claims maintaining that run is the key to reaching next month's Champions League Final.
"There are still a lot of points to go for in the League and if we keep our unbeaten run going, it will help us in Europe, too," added the midfielder, who overcame a recent thigh problem to play 20 minutes of Saturday's 2-0 win over Middlesbrough.
"We have the quality here to win the Champions League, so we will give it everything."
Reader views (6)
Ben - Is Arshavin injured or something ?...
- Brianthegooner, Stevenage, 07/05/2009 10:35
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no i have no idea, season ticket holder for over 20 years watch him week in week out! the guy is not good enough!
- Ben, London, 29/04/2009 15:19
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Ben, you obviously have no idea what you're talking about or Arsenal for that matter! Diaby is occasionally inconsistent yes, but when he's on him game which is usually in the CL, he's unplayable and superb. AW needs Diaby and Song in the team tomorrow to get Utd on the counter and stay firm at the back. 1-1 and I'll be pleased.
- James, London, 28/04/2009 16:40
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United are on the longest undefeated streak in Chapions league history - they rarely leak goals in Champions League knock-out games as they know it's a 180 minute game and they will likely score in that time. Utd will play more patiently than Arsenal supporters might like to think and will be tough to create chances against especially when they stick Anderson on Fabregas to remove him from the game.
I see Utd winning 1-0 tomorrow and the return leg being a 1-1 draw.
- Jon, london,England, 28/04/2009 15:51
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Julius are you having a laugh Diaby is a waste of space and i hope for all our sakes he is not in the team.
We need song and denilson holding and theo fabregas and nasri sat behind adebayor!
there is no room in this team for an inconsistent waste of space like diaby! he gives the ball away far to much and has no end product! please wenger leave him at home!
- Ben, London, 28/04/2009 15:14
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If there is one person in the Arsenal midfield who can unlock the ManU defense it is Abou Diaby. He dribbles well and has a good control of the ball- though he he diappoints at times. On his Abou Diaby is the man. I hope he plays in the second half when the legas are begining to tire. Good luck to the Gooners!
- Julius Nuga, Abbots Langley UK, 28/04/2009 11:16
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