By Chris Harris
Arsène Wenger believes that Arsenal's rock-solid defence can be their foundation for success.
The Frenchman has watched his team rack up six consecutive clean sheets and concede just three times since Boxing Day. Arsenal's lack of goals at the other end continues to frustrate Wenger but, having watched Manchester United reel off a string of 'professional' one-goal victories this season, the manager knows his team can emulate the champions.
"Defensive strength is the foundation for success and we want to keep the focus on that strength," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.
"We are in the final sprint of the season and you can see that it’s vital and very, very important. You can only make results everywhere if you feel strong defensively. "It’s a fine line [between winning games 1-0 and drawing]. I have watched Man United get an opening here and there and they are a great side. But I don’t feel they dominate the games like we do."
One attribute Man United do have at the moment is instinct. They are taking their chances when they come while Arsenal have faltered in front of goal. According to Wenger, there was more evidence of that elusive quality when Sir Alex Ferguson's side beat Tottenham on penalties in the Carling Cup Final on Sunday.
"They don’t think about it. The trophies flow in for them at the moment so it’s all natural for them," said Wenger.
"Even yesterday they were so convinced they would win it in the end because they have no doubt. They put themselves in that position, we were in that position as well, we just need to continue to focus.
"But I believe that the spirit of my team is great. The focus they have in training is great and they will be rewarded – I have never seen a team not being rewarded for that kind of spirit and quality."
The Frenchman has watched his team rack up six consecutive clean sheets and concede just three times since Boxing Day. Arsenal's lack of goals at the other end continues to frustrate Wenger but, having watched Manchester United reel off a string of 'professional' one-goal victories this season, the manager knows his team can emulate the champions.
"Defensive strength is the foundation for success and we want to keep the focus on that strength," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.
"We are in the final sprint of the season and you can see that it’s vital and very, very important. You can only make results everywhere if you feel strong defensively. "It’s a fine line [between winning games 1-0 and drawing]. I have watched Man United get an opening here and there and they are a great side. But I don’t feel they dominate the games like we do."
One attribute Man United do have at the moment is instinct. They are taking their chances when they come while Arsenal have faltered in front of goal. According to Wenger, there was more evidence of that elusive quality when Sir Alex Ferguson's side beat Tottenham on penalties in the Carling Cup Final on Sunday.
"They don’t think about it. The trophies flow in for them at the moment so it’s all natural for them," said Wenger.
"Even yesterday they were so convinced they would win it in the end because they have no doubt. They put themselves in that position, we were in that position as well, we just need to continue to focus.
"But I believe that the spirit of my team is great. The focus they have in training is great and they will be rewarded – I have never seen a team not being rewarded for that kind of spirit and quality."
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