10:50am Thursday 25th September 2008
ARSENE Wenger believes his side deserve as much credit for their defensive displays as their free-flowing football in the other half of the pitch.
So far, the Gunners have not conceded a goal from open play in 810 minutes of football and have let in just two league goals, both from corners at Bolton and Fulham.
While the team's intricate pass-and-move style of play has earned rave reviews, the contribution of the back four, comprising of captain William Gallas, Kolo Toure, Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy has gone largely unnoticed, according to Wenger.
"We have defended very well," the Frenchman told Arsenal.com. "It has not been noticed yet but we’ve only conceded those two goals from two corners. In open play we are quite solid. That, for me, is a good response and a good explanation for the team attitude in the squad."
Last season, the team shipped 31 goals in 38 games in the league, the highest amongst the 'Big Four,' which ultimately cost them the title.
But with the forward line hitting their straps and the backline repelling attack after attack so far this term, it is little wonder that Arsenal find themselves top of the pile in the Premier League at this early stage.
"What makes me happy at the moment is that we have a good combination of defensive balance and offensive efficiency," added Wenger.
"Sometimes when you work on defending better you lose a number of goals.
"But at the moment we are combining the two and it means when everyone puts the effort in we still can be very dangerous going forward."
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