Robust rearguard the key for Touré

Wednesday 25 February 2009
by Simon Hart from London
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Kolo Touré was pleased with his side's defensive displayKolo Touré was pleased with his side's defensive display (©Getty Images)Photos/WallpapersPhotos/Wallpapers »

Kolo Touré said the clean sheet that Arsenal FC gained in Tuesday night's 1-0 win over AS Roma could prove pivotal in their fight for a UEFA Champions League quarter-final place.

Defensive strength
Although the Ivorian centre-back acknowledged Arsenal created enough chances to have won by more than Robin van Persie's first-half penalty, he believes the Gunners' defensive strength – this was a fifth successive shut-out – gives them real hope of completing the job in the return leg of their last-16 tie in the Italian capital. "We could have done better and scored some more goals but the good thing is we had a clean sheet which is really important," said Touré.

Nasri encouraged
"Now we will try to go there and impose our game and play like we did tonight," he continued. "We know we defend really well as a team and we also created a lot of chances which is important." Midfielder Samir Nasri echoed Touré's words, saying: "I think this result is not too bad, even though we could have won by more. Fortunately we managed not to concede any goals. Tonight we've seen a winning Arsenal side, with a good defensive display which is very encouraging for the challenges to come. Unlike in the Premier League, tonight we had more space to move. We managed to create the gaps we needed and had a lot of movement. Now we have to try to repeat this performance."

Praise for Diaby
Twelve months ago Arsenal won at AC Milan following a goalless first-leg draw at home and, according to Touré, their confidence about a repeat performance is boosted by the likelihood of injured players being back in time for the deciding leg on 11 March. "We have some players to come back like Eduardo da Silva, which is going to help us a lot. We have a lot of injuries at the moment but the team tonight were outstanding. [Midfielder] Abou Diaby came back from two weeks out and did a really good job."

'Learned a new rule'
Touré was even able to look on the bright side of the booking he collected for taking the field without the referee's permission when he arrived late for the second half along with William Gallas who had received treatment for an injury. "I was waiting for William to come because I am always the last on to the pitch, which is a superstition of mine. We didn't lose a goal so we were happy about that. It was embarrassing but the good thing is I have learned a new rule tonight," he smiled.

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