Arsene Wenger says he has the personnel to switch between a three-man defence, flanked by wing-backs, and a traditional back four, however, he’s also underlined the importance of the players he selects actually doing their jobs properly.
The Gunners season has been pockmarked by individual errors undermining the effort of the collective – admittedly, hardly a new issue at the Emirates – but it’s one that has the boss crossing his fingers for focus ahead of big matches during the festive period.
“I have no problem with [playing a back four],” Wenger told Arsenal.com ahead of the match with Liverpool on Friday night.
“Overall I think that let’s touch wood and focus on everybody defending well, then play with four or five.
“The good thing is that we are adaptable now and we can play in those systems, we just have to make the right decision on the night.”
Arsenal have actually kept 9 clean sheets this season, second only to Manchester United, with Petr Cech needing just one more to take his Premier League tally to 200.
It’ll be quite a stretch achieving that feat against Liverpool given the Reds have been scoring for fun recently, but here’s hoping for a good end to the year.
“I believe that Liverpool is very good going forward so you need overall a good defensive performance,” said the boss,” noted the boss.
“I have to analyse that well and you have to guess a little bit who will play [for Liverpool]. It is not always the same – it depends on their personnel.
“They have plenty of offensive players and, looking at them recently, they have changed a lot their teams so it is difficult to guess. But I will try to see what I do. For me, the most important thing is we turn up with a positive performance. We have been strong at home and it is important we continue to dictate our game at home.”
We need our forwards to start knocking goals in. Defence has been OK but without scoring earlier and getting a lead there is more pressure on the team.
defence ok, ha ha ha
All we need do is pluck the feathers of the swan after dipping it in very hot water. Let’s make life very miserable for them, and they’ll all walk alone tonight. It’s about time we beat them blue black.
COYG!!!
*Touching cloth?
You bet me to it
I am touching cloth for defensive focus
So he hopes for the best?
Mr. Wenger trying to wind the players up for tonight. I was just refreshing my knowledge about the “Battle of the Buffet” when Mike Riley and MUFC stopped us on our unbeaten run. Then both players and Mr. Wenger talked beforehand about coming to OT and reach the big 50. Didn´t turn out that way then. Doesn´t tonight either. Make your statements on the pitch and leave the BS to Moaninho I say – 0-0 draw I´m afraid or Mugs get a penalty for Xmas
Touching wood? With our collective finishing and defending, we’ll all be touching cloth every time Liverpool have the ball in our half…… Come on Arsenal
Sorry guys. Just seen a lot of you have beaten me to it. Great minds think alike, etc….
I want Wenger to grow some balls and bench Alexis. He puts him out there and sits some of our young talent that can use the time on the pitch, when he knows we are going to lose him and will need some of the youngsters to step in and step up. Personally, I can’t wait to see Alexis go, he has been a drag on the team all year, and according to media, is a disruption on the team. He has never been a team player. So much for him being professional and playing hard no matter what. Have… Read more »
If only there was more we could do to ensure a well drilled defense with a minimum of errors.
Perhaps Arsenal should have something called a training session where players receive instruction rather than just interpretive jazz sessions.
On paper Arsenal has enough players to DESTROY Livershit , but we never fulfill our potential , do we ?