Arsenal: Arsene Wenger comments fly in the face of action

Arsene Wenger has stated that Nacho Monreal, Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi are a ‘well-balanced’ back three, heralding the importance of communication. But whenever Arsenal defend, communication seems to be utterly absent.

It would a little underselling to say Arsenal have struggled defensively this season. In fact, although the baseline numbers may state otherwise – they are often inflated a little thanks to the overwhelming possession that the Gunners have against the lesser sides, meaning that they are asked to defend far less than usual – they have struggled defensively for several years, potentially for as long as a decade.

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Such were the shortcomings last season, that in an effort to provide a distraction of mind and refreshing of shape and formation, Arsene Wenger implemented a 3-4-3 system, an approach that he had used just the once before during his 21-year tenure, all the way back in 1997.

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But he has persisted with the new formation, using it in every game so far this season. And now, with a trip to Chelsea on the horizon, the team that mastered the system last year, such that they sauntered to the title in comfortable fashion, Wenger has been discussing the traits that are needed to flourish as a back three and the players that he has available to him.

When asked about the virtues of Shkodran Mustafi, Wenger extolled his communication, heralding his willingness to marshal from the centre-half position, with a commanding voice and astute positional sense:

"“He’s reading the game well, strong in the challenge, and he likes to talk as well, so that’s an important quality in that part of the pitch. On both sides of him, we have Koscielny and Monreal who are quick, so that looks well-balanced. Communication is very, very important. In the organisation, it’s very important that you talk early, and sometimes you have to be very vocal because the crowd is shouting. The timing of your talking and sometimes how loud you are is very important.”"

But, while Mustafi himself is certainly a leader at the heart of the Arsenal defence, the team’s defending, as a whole, lacks cohesiveness and connection. They fail to play as a unit, aware of their respective roles and responsibilities, playing a collection of individuals, rather than a team.

The root cause of that, alongside a lack of work in the training ground, is a lack of communication. When defending, it is vital that players are continually talking to one another, pointing out runners, rushing to the ball and making those aware of the space vacated, coming narrow to shrink the space, pressing high to play offside.

It is impossible to do these things without clear and concise communication. Arsenal cannot do these things. So, it would seem natural to conclude that they do not communicate well, even though Wenger highlights its importance.

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As the Gunners prepare to face a Chelsea side who have the expertise and the quality to exploit miscommunication, it is important that Wenger’s comments translate into action.