Almunia - No excuses for failure

Manuel Almunia has warned his team-mates that 'there can be no excuses' if Arsenal fail to last the distance in the Premier League title race next term.

The Gunners, without silverware since 2005, ended the season in third despite leading for much of the campaign.

And goalkeeper Almunia admits next season could be the making or breaking of an Arsenal side that has steadily matured over recent years.

"The season may not have ended very well for us, but this was the year to push us for better things," Almunia told the club's official website.

"Next season there can be no excuses not to fight for the Premier League until the end of the season.

"We need to be at the top for the whole season, not only at the beginning or the middle - and that is in all competitions as well."