Senderos stakes claim to hold Gunners place
Arsenal youngster Philippe Senderos is determined to give his manager Arsene Wenger a selection dilemma when Sol Campbell returns to full fitness.
Senderos, 20, has impressed at centre-back with Campbell on the sidelines with an ankle injury and starred in the FA Cup semi-final win against Blackburn at the weekend.
With Campbell set to return to the starting line-up, Senderos hopes his form will keep in the Gunners first XI.
“That is the boss’ decision, I have to make it hard,” he said. “The competition in the team is great and you have to show your best on the pitch to show the manager.”
The Gunners will face Manchester United in the final next month after overcoming Rovers’ physical tactics at the Millennium Stadium.
“We played very well,” the Swiss defender added. “It was a great performance. We didn’t react to their physical strength, we kept playing our game and that was a great response.
“It was tough, especially in the midfield, and Gilberto and Patrick Vieira did very well.
“We were intelligent, we kept the ball, and when they came at us we kept calm and kept playing. We showed great spirit and we have to keep going.”
Senderos arrived from Swiss club Servette in 2003 but has struggled with injury and has not had a chance to shine until Campbell’s injury.
His commanding performances have now given him a great chance of an extended run in the side, although he is more concerned with the team winning.
“It’s not about me,” he added on Arsenal PLUS. “It’s about the team. If we don’t concede it’s because the team does well, it starts first with the attacking players. Now we are in the final we have to go all the way.”
