Premier League: Arsene Wenger worried about Arsenal’s defence
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has acknowledged that he is worried about his side’s defensive performance, following their draw against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium on Wednesday.
“It is [a concern] because nobody looks from the outside to take charge on the organisation side," said Wenger. "There is no voice when the focus drops a little bit. You don't feel that anybody takes charge on alertness and we
need to communicate much better than that."
Arsenal conceded an early penalty when http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ben-Watson-c7458 managed to convert the spot-kick into a goal for the home side. However, the Gunners bounced back and scored two goals in quick
succession: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nicklas-Bendtner-c27726 scored from inside the box. But Arsenal’s first-half lead of one goal was cancelled by Sebastien Squillaci own goal in the final minutes
of the match.
"The way we conceded this corner is of course very disappointing but you have to give credit to Wigan," said Wenger.
Since losing central defender http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Thomas-Vermaelen-c35002 to an Achilles injury a few months ago, Arsenal have been weak in terms of defence. Defenders Koscielny and Squillaci were signed in the summer of 2010 but have thus far been unable
to perform consistently. Despite these defensive woes, however, Wenger maintains that he will not be buying new players in the January transfer window.
"We focus on the players we have and I think we have enough quality," said Wenger. "The players are conscious of that and will rectify that."
Arsenal will play their next match on January 1 against Birmingham City at St. Andrew’s Stadium. Birmingham’s record at home and even against the top four clubs of the Premier League is very impressive. Recently, Birmingham drew
their last match against Manchester United at home. Moreover, they were able to defeat Premier League titleholders http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 by one goal, also at home. Alex McLeish’s men have also drawn against Manchester City at the City of Manchester Stadium.
Despite this impressive performance, Birmingham are not the favourites to win their match against Arsenal, as the Gunners possess the best away form in the Premier League so far. In addition, Arsenal have already defeated Birmingham
City in a Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are currently placed third in the Premier League table, with 36 points to their credit out of 19 league games. Birmingham City, meanwhile, are battling to stay out of the relegation zone, with 19 points to their name out
of 18 league matches.
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