Published: 28 March, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

ABOU Diaby has told Arsenal fans not to expect a walkover on Saturday when Premier League strugglers Reading turn up at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners will be heavy favourites to take all three points having already beaten the Royals twice away this season, one of which was a thrilling victory in the Capital One Cup.

Diaby, however, insists he expects it to be a very tough afternoon. “It is always very difficult against teams near the bottom of the table,” he told Arsenal Player. “They are fighting against relegation, and we are fighting to be in the top four. We may be favourites, but we know it’s not going to be an easy game. But… we know we can score goals.”

Arsenal must also be wary of the new-manager effect after Reading appointed former Southampton boss Nigel Adkins having parted ways with Brian McDermott.

Diaby is hoping the Gunners can show the same kind of spirit seen in the Capital One Cup win at the Madejski Stadium in October when they came from 4-0 down to win 7-5 after extra-time.

“It was crazy,” he said. “The way we came back and responded after half time was unbelievable.

“At 4-0 down, you know it’ll be really hard but we showed really good character and that is what we need to carry all the time.”

Arsene Wenger’s side go into the game against Reading having kept back-to-back clean sheets in tough away games against Bayern Munich and Swansea.

Diaby is convinced that if the Gunners are going to maintain their new-found solidity the defence must be given help.

“As a team we all defend together but as a midfield we have a big role to play,” he said. “If we want to succeed and win games, we need to be solid. We need to be together and that is what we have shown in the past two games.”