Arsenal Summer Profile: The Defense

If any of you have ever seen just one or two of the prematch articles I usually write, you will see my obsession with defense. Call me old school, but I am a firm believer that offense wins TV ratings, but defense wins trophies.

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Look at Chelsea, they have an amazing defensive unit and when the offense falters or is injured, they will not concede and at worst leave the game 0-0. It is never pretty to win with defense but look at Arsenal’s greatest years and you find some of the best defensive wingers, and the greatest midfield anchor in Patrick Viera.

Since the Invincibles more than 10 years ago, Arsenal has played less physical and focused more on skill and finesse in the attacking side of the pitch. Not to say that is the wrong thing to do, but all great teams have a defense you can always rely on. In the past two years, Arsenal’s defense has taken major steps towards becoming great again.

Next: Per Mertesacker