LONDON, (MILLAT ONLINE/APP/AFP) – Laurent Koscielny believes Arsenal’s
defensive rethink can help drive Arsene Wenger’s side to a top-four finish in the Premier League.
The Gunners will face reigning champions Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday buoyed by their FA Cup semi-final success against Manchester City that set up a Wembley final with Chelsea.
Sunday’s last-four victory followed Arsenal’s win the previous week at Middlesbrough when the under fire Wenger responded to his side’s alarming dip in form by changing to a three-man backline.
Now, having registered back to back victories with his new line-up, Wenger is likely to stick with the formation for the visit of Craig Shakespeare’s revived Leicester side.
A third successive win will move Arsenal to within four points of
fourth-placed City, currently in possession of the final Champions League place on offer to Premier League clubs, and three points behind Manchester United in fifth, 24 hours before the Manchester derby.
Koscielny, the Arsenal centre-back, had no doubt that Wenger’s decision to change things around has helped increase the chances of the club ending a difficult season on a high.
“There was a tactical turnaround, but we’ve been working on it for 15
days,” the France international said.
“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.”