Manuel Almunia has praised the understanding between him and his centre-backs, - ­William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen.

Arsenal was booted out in the FA Cup fifth round by Stoke City on Sunday and return to Champions League action next month.

Their title hopes was faded on Wednesday after being held to a goalless draw at Villa Park. And they still have three more ­crucial League clashes against Manchester United, Chelsea and  top four favourites, Liverpool.

“We have a great ­relationship,” Almunia was quoted in mirror football website.

“Thomas is a great guy and a great signing for the team.

“William is a fantastic ­defender and he’s a strong character. But if you know him, it is easy to deal with him.

“Some people don’t know how to take him. But if you speak to him and ­understand how he thinks about ­football, you can manage.

“I have learned how to play with him. Maybe William doesn’t talk too much about the game to other players but I understand him.

“I know when I have to speak with him and when he wants to speak to me. Our communication is good, even without words.”

The Spanish keeper further said that Vermaelen, is more of a silent ­assassin and a solid defender.

“He is a very solid ­defender and he is a very nice guy,” said Almunia.

“But at the same time, when the ball is near he is very ­aggressive.

“He has humility and ­professionalism – he has everything to be a success at ­Arsenal.”

Almunia added: “We have very important games in three competitions and we will see after this month where we are and how we can finish the end of the ­season.”

Gunners first choice goalkeeper also said that with the way the fixture is, he can not predict that they can win or lose the title but losing can affect confidence.

“Whether the title will be won or lost, you never know,” he said. “But if you lose against the biggest teams it is not so much that you can have lost the title but that it can affect confidence. If you feel you are a bit less than the bigger teams then confidence can drop.

“We are going to keep our confidence at a high level to get us through a difficult month.”

Despite stressing that he want to win the title Almunia also admitted that every team in premier league is at its best and can give surprises.

“This year, every team can give you a surprise. Other teams have more quality than in years gone by and the big teams are not having a perfect season. The next month is going to be ­crucial.”

Almunia believes that ­Chelsea will be more ­dangerous adversaries than Manchester United.

“Chelsea are a bit stronger than United,” he said. “They are committed – and that makes them a stronger.”