Almunia: I'm the No.1

Goalkeeper hits back at club rival

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 3rd November 2007

Almunia Manuel

Almunia: Rivalry

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Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has hit back at his shot-stopping rival Jens Lehmann ahead of the crunch Premier League meeting with Manchester United, which is live on Sky Sports 1.

Almunia has become Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's first-choice goalkeeper since the third game of the season, much to the annoyance of Lehmann.

The German goalkeeper has been critical of Almunia claiming that he has yet to win 'important' games for Arsenal.

However, Almunia - who is set to start ahead of Lehmann at Emirates Stadium on Saturday - insists he has the required experience.

Confidence

"I am enjoying my best form since I arrived at Arsenal," Almunia said in the Daily Mirror.

"It's not easy to be in the title race but it is in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League that I have had my best moments.

"I always had confidence in my coach that he would give me my chance and now I am proving that I deserve to be in the position.

"The coach decides who is the keeper. I always accept the choice and never made comments when I was on the bench.

Contenders

"Now I am the No.1 and I want that situation to stay the same for the rest of the season."

Almunia also believes that if his side can defeat United they will confirm their title credentials after an impressive unbeaten start to the season.

"If we beat them it would give us enormous belief," Almunia added.

"Victory would show that we are serious contenders to win the title."