Kolo Toure insists Arsenal will use the memory of their Anfield
horror show as 'big motivation' to secure qualification for the
Champions League next season.
The Gunners were taken apart 4-1 by Liverpool on Saturday as Peter
Crouch netted a hat-trick to help lift the Reds back up to third in
the Barclays Premiership table.
Although they have a five-point lead on Bolton and also a game in
hand on the sides around them, manager Arsene Wenger felt there was
an element of complacency surrounding their position.
Arsenal are out of both the FA Cup and Europe and it would seem
there is little left for his side to play for now other than their
own pride.
Defender Toure has called on the squad to close ranks and ensure
there is a positive end to a campaign which had at one stage
promised so much.
'We lost, but it is definitely a big motivation for the players to
finish in third place,' Toure said.
'We are professional and we need to stay motivated because we are a
big club and every game is important for us.'
Toure told the club's official website: 'We need to be really
strong all over the pitch. When we win, we win together and when we
fail we fail together.
'We had beaten Liverpool three times this season - but we did not
have the response when they went ahead.'
Wenger admitted both his centre-halves had just not been able to
cope with the sheer presence of 6ft 7in England striker
Crouch.
Ivory Coast defender Toure said: 'Crouch is good in the air, he has
good technique and he deserved the three goals.
'He made it very difficult for us at the back. He can head the
ball, he can pass the ball - he is a clever player.'
Felt pity for him during the
pool's match. was RAPE by crouch. tsktsk.
And talk is cheap. I hope Arsenal will pull up their socks
ASAP.
