Arsene Wenger continues to believe that Arsenal's defence is not their Achilles heel. Many have pointed to a continued lack of defensive stability as the reason Arsenal's bid for a first trophy since 2005 floundered again last term. The Gunners leaked 43 Premier League goals - 10 more than rivals Manchester City and Chelsea - yet Wenger said after his team's arrival in Asia this week that they do need to change their footballing philosophy. The Frenchman feels Arsenal merely need to improve their attacking qualities, making no reference to his side's defence, and he maintains that major surgery at the back is not needed. "I don't think we are weak defensively, but we are an offensive team," he said. Exposed "Sometimes that exposes our defenders a bit more than other teams." Wenger has been linked with Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill and Werder Bremen's Germany international Per Mertesacker but a defensive addition at the Emirates this summer does not appear to be a certainty. "I believe we have quality defenders," Wenger added. "One is Thomas Vermaelen and he did not play last year. "In open play, we were one of the better defences [last season], but we conceded too many goals on set-pieces and that is where we want to improve this season." You can forget every word ever said before but, they mean nothing.
I hope this is about as far or as bad as Arsene is likely to misspeak. More importantly I hope he doesn't believe that we do not need to beef up our defence or come February if not before, we will undo all that our forwards may achieve. Surely Arsene realises that letting in goals counts as much as scoring them especially considering the number we let in last season. I know I'm reaching far at the moment and if all Arsene has said so far is either to boost the morale of our players or deflect attention from a possible purchase or two then that's fine. However if come the end of the new season we are once again undone by our defensive frailties then I'm afraid it would be time for Arsene to reconsider his position.
These statements show why it is time Wenger was kicked upstairs and a new younger coach brought in. All successful teams are founded on a good defence and if Wenger cannot realise this there really is no hope for him.
I think the key to better defence is not better players also this does help, but rather better organisation. Our defenders seem to have no clue about positional awareness, communication or any other type of organisation. It comes through Wenger trying to be too attack minded and not pragmatic enough.
i dont think it needs an overhaul either, just need another one added apart from a league 2 youngster, but our defenders seem to be a bit injury prone, last season TV was out all but 6 games what if he knackers his ankle again?, the season before johann with his knee and was missing towards the end of last season, and players seem to be out far longer than first thought, carrying on with the trend who will be next.
Ahh Jayram but of course, Wenger learns from THe MaStER While noting what you say and though in agreement with the quality of players that we have I would subscribe to Mr Eyebrow's sentiments... Arsene Wenger needs to institute a defensive strategy, something he hadn't had to do in his first triumphal spell at the club and something he needs desperately to finalise before the start of the season or it may very well once again end in tears for all the attractive attacking style that we possess. Cheers All.
Well in that case I too have said in the past that we lack a strategy at the back. Enjoy your summer and may the man continue to listen and read since he has much to learn
Wenger is so full of ****. The defence is weak. Just listen to the man spin about 'a great defence from open play'... everything that Wenger comes out with now just makes me angry, I've had enough of him. If next season is a repeat of last (which it looks like it will be, as Wenger is as deluded as ever), then Wenger is going to be hounded out by the fans, and he'll ****ing deserve it too.
I think these comments are about Wenger's overall apprasial of our team's defensive play, I don't think they are an indication that he won't improve the team where it is needed.
Agreed, and as my fellow gunners have sucessfully debated, a lot can come down to better organisation and concentration on the day
LEADER... you just have no-one capable of defensive leadership. i would have thought after inheriting a team where the defence were all capable of leadership, mr.wenger would have made this issue his main target. the last defensive leader arsenal had was probably jens lehman who at least commanded his area.
Well the transfer window isn't over yet and all the speculation on the various sites and blogs play their part in working on all our nerves. Whatever happens next season, it may well be Wenger's last chance to make good. I can't see that the pressure for him to go could be kept at bay were Arsenal to have a repeat of 2010/2011 and Heaven forbid should the team fare worse. I imagine he knows this and I would be astounded if he doesn't address the team's deficiencies, be they manpower or organisational, over the summer.
In 2009-2010 Season (while playing a 4-3-3) we conceded 40 league goals to which Wenger said " We have to improve defensively 40 is too many to win the league". In the Summer Gallas leaves the Club and Koscielney / Squillaci come in. In 2010-2011 we changed to a MORE DEFENSIVE (4-2-3-1) formation yet concede even more goals.
