Manuel Almunia warns Arsenal team-mates that Chelsea will provide stern test

Manuel Almunia has warned his Arsenal team-mates that the real test of their recovery from two weeks of trauma at The Emirates will come at Stamford Bridge today.

The upheaval at the club climaxed in the public criticism of individual players by William Gallas, who was promptly sacked as captain by manager Arsene Wenger.

There were also league defeats against Aston Villa and Manchester City which put a huge question mark against Arsenal's resolve and ability to be a force in the title race.

But, led by new captain Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal secured their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League with a laboured but vital 1-0 win over Dynamo Kiev. During that clash, Almunia made a crucial save before Nicklas Bendtner hit the winner.

But the Spanish goalkeeper (above right) says the clash at Chelsea will provide a more telling examination.

"These have been the worst two weeks of my Arsenal career," said Almunia. "They have been a nightmare.

"We needed to win but couldn't get the right performance and we didn't know what to do. Against Kiev we took a step forward for the confidence of the team. I hope we can face Chelsea in the right way.

"The situation will change when we react in the Premier League. Champions League football is different and Dynamo Kiev are not Chelsea. We will see against Chelsea whether this team knows how to react or not.

"We are in the same place as we were before the Kiev game. That victory was for giving confidence but did not change the domestic situation. We know out situation in the league and we have to react.

"A win at Chelsea would be the first step. We don't need to think about titles - first we need to come back as a great team, then we will see what we've got."

Chelsea have not been as formidable on their own patch as in recent seasons but Almunia knows it won't be easy.

He said: "Stamford Bridge is a very hard place to win but Liverpool did it so why can't we?

Against Manchester United we showed great concentration and great spirit. We have the ability to beat anybody." Almunia then reflected on the problems highlighted by the Gallas outburst - and the way Fabregas, 21, has reacted to being handed a huge responsibility.

The keeper said: "In this situation, the team has to react and has to give 100 per cent. I think in the last few games we did not give 100 per cent.

"It is true that many problems disturbed the peace of the team. I hope now we have the calm back in the team and we have to speak only about football."

Meanwhile, Wenger insists he has had worse times than this since he took over from Bruce Rioch in 1996.

"For me, it is not the most difficult situation I have had since I came to Arsenal," he said. "Do you want me to show you the press I received when I arrived? That was a much deeper attack."

Asked if the dressing room was now a united one after the recent controversy Wenger admitted: "It is too early to say.

"I think it is but you are only as strong as your last game."

LIKELY LINE-UPS

CHELSEA

CECH

BOSINGWA

TERRY

ALEX

A COLE

MIKEL

LAMPARD

DECO

MALOUDA

J COLE

ANELKA

ARSENAL

ALMUNIA

SAGNA

GALLAS

SILVESTRE

CLICHY

DENILSON

FABREGAS

SONG

NASRI

ADEBAYOR

VAN PERSIE

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