Andrey Arshavin has once again spoken out about Arsenal, claiming that the team simply can’t defend…something we have known for quite a while now though, wouldn’t you say guys?
The 29-year-old believes that Arsenal must rely on outscoring their opponents as the team leak too many goals within the 90 minutes of play. Despite leapfrogging title rivals Manchester United and Chelsea with a 2-1 home win over Fulham over the weekend, it was yet another unconvincing display at the back for Wenger’s men whose defence frailties have long been highlighted, especially without the presence of strong centre-back Thomas Vermaelen.
Arsenal’s attacking prowess is visible to the football world, but so is their weakness…their defence. The Gunners have only managed to keep one clean sheet in their last nine games, and although Arshavin has stressed his concerns over the defence this season, the Russian believes the rest of the side should help out more at the back and tighten up in order to have a successful campaign. He told Sky Sports yesterday:
‘We struggle all the time in defence. We have to score more than we concede. That’s it, It is very frustrating. We are trying to improve, but we can’t. We don’t just blame our defenders. Sometimes I can’t run, and let defenders cross so the forwards score a goal.’
He finished off by commenting on a group effort in whole:
‘It doesn’t always depend on defenders. As a team we need to improve defensively.’
I for one am glad to hear that Andrey Arshavin has criticized our defensive unit and his own work rate in general, because quite frankly both could, and should be much better for a team of Arsenal’s stature to say the very least. The Russian international has spoken out about his team’s title credentials and ambitions in the past (most noticeably last season) so this will not be anything new for fans and Wenger to swallow. Although Arshavin is stating the obvious, in a way (not deliberately) he has piled further pressure on Wenger to reconsider buying in the January transfer window.
Listen you don’t need to be a brain surgeon to know that Arsenal need to strengthen their defence, its clear for everybody to see. If Arshavin, and most importantly, the fans can see we need reinforcing in our back-line, then why can’t Wenger? I really hope Andrey Arshavin’s latest comments on our defence makes Wenger realize that in fact we do need a signing this winter.
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I think Arshavin is right, Arsenal need a defender to solidify our defensive, we leak a lot of goals and we must stop this if we are serious title contenders. also the midfielders must also come back to help, but I agree we need proper experienced defenders.