Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe speaks to Sir Alex Ferguson in the stands. (Photo by Ryan Pearce/Getty Images)
Arsenal have enjoyed impressive results in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League this season.
They are top of the league table but have been criticized for their defensive approach. The Gunners have not been able to create many chances and have looked conservative in their approach this season.
However, their defense is exceptional and teams are finding it increasingly difficult to beat them. Mikel Arteta has put together a solid defensive unit and there is every reason to believe that Arsenal can win big trophies this season thanks to their defensive structure.
Arteta shares Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous quote
In his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Crystal Palace, the Arsenal manager was asked for his thoughts on Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous quote, in which the former Manchester United manager emphasized the importance of having a quality defensive unit. The Scottish manager had insisted that while attackers can win games, it is ultimately the defenders who win the team’s big trophies.
In response to a question, Arteta explained that Sir Alex Ferguson was right in his assessment and that his success as a manager speaks volumes.
Manager Mikel Arteta said: “When you look at his title and who’s talking, you have to really get that big message across to the office. He’s right. We defend to attack better. That’s the intention, not to concede goals. We have that mindset.”
Can Arsenal improve going forward?
Arsenal have invested heavily in quality attacking players this summer. It will be interesting to see if players like Victor Gokeres, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze can help develop in the final third as the season progresses. So far, they have performed very well and it is reasonable to think that they will improve further as the new players continue to settle in.