RAFA: WE NEED TO BE ON TOP FORM TO SINK GUNNERS

Henry made the reds suffer last time around

Rafael Benitez insists the reds need to be at the top of their game to get something out of this weekend's important clash at the new Emirates Stadium.

Speaking ahead of the game, Benitez insisted the reds have nothing to fear, but reminded the players they will not escape from Arsenal with anything if the performance is not up to scratch.

"The quality of just one player in one moment can make the difference in these games," says Benitez.

"Against some teams you can play below your best and still win. Against the top teams, that's not possible. It's always a different challenge and you know if all your players don't play really well, you can not win.

"In most games we play, we know we have at least three or four players who have more quality than the opponent.

"Against teams like Arsenal, we know it's a different situation because the levels are similar.

"We've been really close to taking points in these games. At Arsenal away last year we lost in the last minute. Against Chelsea this time we were very unlucky.

"It's not a mental problem. If we both play at our same level, there's little difference between us. The problem is you must recognise the quality of the other team.

"In these kinds of games we know whatever one team can do, the other is capable of doing the same."

"If you analyse Wenger, you must analyse how he's built a club to regularly win trophies and the kind of signings he's made to do it," says Benitez.

"Arsenal have bought a lot of good young players with quality and some have cost alot of money. Players who cost from £4m to £8m.

"It's not a problem when you invest in these types of player, aswehavedone with Aggerand Paletta. The problem is when you spend big money on players who can't progress.

"It's a lot of money for youngsters, but it's clear sometimes it's better to pay now rather than have to pay alot morein four or five years time. The idea is always to spend money on players with a lot of potential.

"These kinds of good signings can help you save money, and even make more if you decide to sell on the players at a later time.

"Over ten years he'sbeen ableto buythe kind of players he wants to play the style of football he prefers."

That style has often seen Arsenal accused of 'overplaying', but Benitez believes they can 'mix it' when they need to.

"When they play well, Ilike to see how Arsenal play, but not as much as Ienjoy watching my own team play well," he says.

"We are a team that wants to play the kind of good football on the ground like Arsenal, but also mix this with more direct football when it is needed.

"You can't always play on the ground, nor always use long passes. Thebest way is always in between. In some games playing short is the right way, but against others fighting for second balls is the best solution.

"To be a winning team, you don't just need a Plan A, but also a Plan B. You don't win many trophies over ten years if this is not the case."

"If you want to win trophies, you need to win a lot of games against all the teams, not just worry about beating Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea," he said.

"The first priority is always to beat the other sides to make sure you reach the top four, and then you can think about the next step.

"There would be no point in us beating the other teams in the top four and then dropping many points against all the other teams. We'd be in a worse situation.

"We've won our last five games in a row because we're starting to show our true level more in each game. We are improving, particularly with the understanding between players.

"If we can keep this momentum, it's clear we'll win many games.

"Consistency is always the most important thing. Now we're looking to take the next step and produce the same results against the big teams as we've done against the others. That would be the ideal situation."

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