Swansea star Ashley Williams is relishing the challenge of keeping Robin van Persie and Thierry Henry quiet this weekend.
Swansea defender determined to shut out Van Persie and Henry
Swansea star Ashley Williams is relishing the challenge of keeping Robin van Persie and Thierry Henry quiet this weekend when Arsenal arrive at the Liberty Stadium.
Van Persie and Henry could link up for the first time against the Swans after the legendary Frenchman made his sensational return to the Emirates on loan from New York Red Bulls.
Henry announced his return to Arsenal in style when he came off the bench to score the winner in the FA Cup third round tie with Leeds, while Van Persie is set to return to the side after being allowed to miss Monday's clash.
Swansea boast the best joint defensive record at home, having conceded just four goals in front of their own fans and they have only lost one game on their own patch.
That record will be facing a severe test against Van Persie, Henry and co, but Williams is confident Swansea can maintain their fine home form.
Challenge
"Van Persie is one of the best strikers in the league and he has been brilliant for them this season," Williams told
skysports.com.
"Then there is Henry and he showed the other night he is still the main man.
"He is a legend at Arsenal and if you ask people he is arguably the best player ever to play in the Premier League.
"Hopefully Henry will play in the game as it will be a massive challenge and you want to match yourself against the best players."
Williams insists Swansea will show no fear against Arsenal after running them clse at the Emirates earlier in the campaign.
"It will be a massive game against Arsenal and we are confident we can get a positive result," he added.
"We played well against them at the Emirates and probably deserved a draw, but our goalkeeper made a mistake and they managed to win 1-0.
"We are at home and we have been very strong at home and we want to continue that.
"We have been strong defensively as a unit and our keeper [Michel Vorm] has been unbelievable, probably the best in the league.
"We have made a big effort defensively and if you defend well you have a solid base from where you can let your attacking players try and make things happen at the other end of the pitch."
Stats
Wales international Williams has racked up some impressive statistics in his first season in the Premier League with 27-year-old making more passes than any other top-flight defender and also topping the table for blocking the most shots.
Williams admits it is nice to have his harrd work highlighted, but he is not paying too much attention to the statistics.
"It is nice to have good stats as it means you are doing things right," added Williams.
"In the modern game statistics are used a lot and I am sure the gaffer studies them and is happy with them."
Interview courtesy of New Era Global Sports.
