Arsene WengerArsene Wenger has no doubts Arsenal's defence will soon be among the meanest in the Barclays Premier League once again. The Gunners head to Wolverhampton Wanderers for today's late afternoon kick-off on the back of some fine form, looking to extend an unbeaten run of 12 matches in all competitions.
However, while Arsenal may be the leading scorers in the top flight with 32 goals from the opening ten matches, they have also conceded 13, more than any other of the top four. Wenger, though, does not feel overly concerned.
"We can score goals and open teams up, which is a good basis to have confidence," he said. "It also makes you keen to work on the defensive side of your game. That is a concern, but I do not think it is a problem.
I am happy with our team-work defensively and confident our defensive record will improve.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
"When you analyse the numbers a bit deeper, we conceded goals in high-scoring games where our attention eased off a bit. Also, we have had something like only 36 shots against us, which means defensively we are quite sure," said Wenger. "I am happy with our team-work defensively and confident our defensive record will improve."
Despite leaking the odd goal or two, Arsenal's new central defensive partnership of Thomas Vermaelen and veteran William Gallas has impressed. Belgian international Vermaelen, a £10m summer signing from Ajax, has slotted straight into the heart of the backline, in the wake of Kolo Toure's move to Manchester City.
With Johan Djourou unavailable until spring as he recovers from knee surgery, Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre provide the back-up for what is set to be a hectic return to action following the international break.
Wenger, though, insisted: "At the moment, I am not tempted to rotate [my centre backs]. I do not like to rotate too much in central defence because we are in a position where they have a good understanding and every point is vital, so it is not worth to take a gamble if I am not forced to do it."
The Arsenal manager added: "Senderos is coming back into a good condition, Silvestre is working very hard and looking very good in training, so we are covered, but of course, you want to keep everybody in match fitness."
Vermaelen paid tribute to the way his defensive team-mates helped him settle quickly at Emirates Stadium.
"William is playing very well this year and it makes it easier for me to play in this team," said the Belgian. "It is important to have these good players because it makes it easier to fit in." story by www.fifa.com
However, while Arsenal may be the leading scorers in the top flight with 32 goals from the opening ten matches, they have also conceded 13, more than any other of the top four. Wenger, though, does not feel overly concerned.
"We can score goals and open teams up, which is a good basis to have confidence," he said. "It also makes you keen to work on the defensive side of your game. That is a concern, but I do not think it is a problem.
I am happy with our team-work defensively and confident our defensive record will improve.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
"When you analyse the numbers a bit deeper, we conceded goals in high-scoring games where our attention eased off a bit. Also, we have had something like only 36 shots against us, which means defensively we are quite sure," said Wenger. "I am happy with our team-work defensively and confident our defensive record will improve."
Despite leaking the odd goal or two, Arsenal's new central defensive partnership of Thomas Vermaelen and veteran William Gallas has impressed. Belgian international Vermaelen, a £10m summer signing from Ajax, has slotted straight into the heart of the backline, in the wake of Kolo Toure's move to Manchester City.
With Johan Djourou unavailable until spring as he recovers from knee surgery, Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre provide the back-up for what is set to be a hectic return to action following the international break.
Wenger, though, insisted: "At the moment, I am not tempted to rotate [my centre backs]. I do not like to rotate too much in central defence because we are in a position where they have a good understanding and every point is vital, so it is not worth to take a gamble if I am not forced to do it."
The Arsenal manager added: "Senderos is coming back into a good condition, Silvestre is working very hard and looking very good in training, so we are covered, but of course, you want to keep everybody in match fitness."
Vermaelen paid tribute to the way his defensive team-mates helped him settle quickly at Emirates Stadium.
"William is playing very well this year and it makes it easier for me to play in this team," said the Belgian. "It is important to have these good players because it makes it easier to fit in." story by www.fifa.com
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