Gael Clichy says Arsenal need to show more humility against weaker sides.
Gael Clichy says Arsenal need to show more humility against the weaker sides in the Premiership if The Gunners are to prove they are on a par with Chelsea and Manchester United.Whilst Arsenal have enjoyed a productive season against their rivals at the top end of the table, a succession of disappointing results against the traditionally weaker sides has seen them fall 15 points off the title pace set by Sir Alex Ferguson.
The French left-back has pinpointed the problem as being Arsenal's attitude, with the North London side needing to show more respect to sides such as Sheffield United and battle for the win according to Clichy.
"We drew at Chelsea without key players, won at Old Trafford, beat Tottenham and Liverpool," Clichy explained in The Guardian.
"That showed everyone we have the quality. Of course we are far behind them [in points] but in terms of quality and football I think we are at the same level.
"The problem is we did well against all the big teams but maybe, like the boss says, we need to have humility when we play the smaller teams because even smaller teams near the bottom can hurt you bad. That's what has happened with us. We have drawn so many games at home.
"I think we are capable of great things.
"Last season it was a great thing to get to the Champions League final. That showed we can play football and get some great results but in England the football is different.
"It's a battle, a fight all through the game and we need to be capable of battling against those type of teams.
"Now everyone is saying: 'We go to Arsenal, play 10 at the back and just kick them and wait for them to make a mistake.' We have to show them that, if you do that, you will pay for it."
Clichy also revealed that he would have considered leaving North London had Ashley Cole not opened up a vacancy at left-back by joining Chelsea.
"Maybe I would have asked to leave or to go on loan but I'm happy for me and for him as well because he is at a good club and is a good guy," Clichy added.
"It's a big opportunity for me. My objective is to be the best and to be remembered in football, so of course I was happy Ashley left."
