Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that defensive solidity, just as much as Robin van Persie’s goals, have been behind the club’s rise up the Premier League table.

 

The Gunners had recorded their worst ever start to a league season by the middle of September, as well as being lucky to leave Germany with a 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

 

But as time has passed, so Arsenal have improved, navigating their Champions League group as group winners, as well as claiming a spot in the Premier League’s top four.

 

And while much has been down to the goalscoring exploits of Robin van Persie, Wenger has also pinpointed a big improvement at the back.

 

“It is a tradition in football that the goalscorers always get the plaudits, but I must stay Robin deserves that because he has always been remarkably consistent”, said the Gunners boss.

 

“But I am very pleased as well that the team has improved defensively.

 

“When you look at the goals we conceded at the start of the season, we look much more solid now.

 

“We didn’t give a chance away against Everton, basically, so on that front we are better.”

 

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