SM
England vs. Ireland: 12 hrs 12 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Arsene Wenger chasing defensive cover ahead of next season

:Headline: Arsene Wenger chasing defensive cover ahead of next season: ID:317802: from db_amp
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits that his side's "defensive numbers are not good enough", having failed to strengthen at the back during the January transfer window.

Arsene Wenger has confessed that Arsenal do not have enough top-quality defenders and must strengthen once the transfer window reopens.

The Gunners missed out on a couple of central defensive targets during the latter stages of the winter market, seeing approaches for Jonny Evans and Kostas Manolas rebuffed.

After conceding another three goals in their shock defeat to Swansea City last time out, Wenger concedes that his side must rectify their defensive frailties with the players available if they are to end the season on a high.

"Our defensive numbers aren't good enough," he told reporters at Friday's press conference. "We needed strengthening [last month] because we have to improve our defensive numbers to make the top four. I will adapt to the difficulties we face and must see how the idea I have works. We are flexible - we can play with a back three or four.

"It has been a [roller coaster]; we lost a game we should not have lost. January has been a very difficult month for us, it has been disappointing on the pitch, we have no room for any more defeats, it is important we respond quickly. I believe we have to find an internal solution to our defensive problems, that's everyone putting more effort in.

"It is not a lack of effort, but a lack of focus in vital moments of games, sometimes we do it well, sometimes not. At Swansea we had 75% possession, but we forgot to defend when we lost the ball. It's a team problem, and it is about taking individual responsibility for defensive roles."

Arsenal have conceded 34 goals in 25 Premier League games this term - a record bettered by six other sides.

amp_article__317802 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2018-02-02 20:29:30:
html db last update - 2018-02-02 20:29:30 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Arsene Wenger

Click here for more stories about Arsenal

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .