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Arsenal: Laurent Koscielny Hits The Nail On The Head
Laurent Koscielny has stated that the tactical shift from Arsene Wenger has given the players new-found confidence, hitting the nail on the head for Arsenal.
It has been a tough time for Arsenal. Before Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City, in which they rode their luck significantly, the North London outfit had won just four games since February 11th, exited the Champions League in historically humiliating fashion and slipped out of the top four.
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Of the four games that they had managed to win, two came against non-league opposition in the FA Cup – Sutton United and Lincoln City – and two came against struggling Premier League sides – West Ham United and Middlesbrough. None are particularly impressive.
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What such an extended, barren run deprecates is confidence. Arsene Wenger has spoken of the lack of confidence and self-belief within the squad thanks to their recent toils, and it was a major factor in implementing the new three-at-the-back system against Middlesbrough and again on Sunday. And that is a sentiment that Laurent Koscielny has echoed. When asked after the 2-1 win that will see Arsenal through to the FA Cup final on the 27th May about the returning confidence of the squad, Koscielny was quick to highlight the change in tactics:
"“There was a tactical turnaround, but we’ve been working on it for 15 days. In that system, there are players who are good. It’s good for the collective. I think we also found confidence in this system with three defenders. We are more solid behind. Commitment and motivation also allowed us to win. Over the whole game, we were supportive and combative.”"
It was a bold and uncharacteristic move of Wenger, a man who is renowned for his stubborn and unwavering belief in his own principles. But Koscielny reveals there is more to the tactical change than mere advantages on the pitch. There has been a change in focus and attention that has, while also improving results, brought about a little confidence.
The mental fortitude of Arsenal has been questioned heavily in recent years. Their crisis in confidence does not go to supporting their ability to win tight games when the pressure is on. And that is why the manner of the Manchester City win is so crucial. It was so uncharacteristic of the team, that it very quickly became a positive.
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Koscielny is aware of the changing attitudes and perspectives within the squad. He can feel the growing sense of assuredness in their own ability. There was a greater passion, commitment and intensity to their play throughout Sunday’s tie, and that is something that makes this team dangerous during the remainder of the season.