Almunia - We have to make some changes now

Manuel Almunia believes Arsenal have to make changes after their 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa on Saturday.

The keeper did his best to inspire Arsène Wenger’s side with a first-half penalty save from Ashley Young. However Arsenal never got going and were well-beaten via an own goal from Gael Clichy and a breakaway strike from Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The game was in stark contrast to last weekend’s wonderful win over Manchester United and leaves the Emirates Stadium side nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea. The keeper knows Arsenal must soldier on but not in the same style.

“We have to continue doing our job,” said Almunia. “First of all because of respect for the fans. Anything is possible but we have to change many things from today.

“We are the same team [as last Saturday] but each player has to analyse his performance because today’s game was Arsenal’s worst for a long time.

“It is very disappointing because after the penalty I thought the team would be more excited and grow with desire to win the game. But the penalty did not change anything and that is embarrassing for us.”