Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists fans outside the top six clubs are satisfied with goalless draws against the bigger clubs

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Arsene Wenger believes supporters of clubs outside the top six are pleased with goalless draws against the bigger clubs, making the Premier League more defensive.

Arsenal have had 66 shots in their last three top-flight games but have scored only twice. 

They had 22 shots against West Ham at the London Stadium in their 0-0 draw during the week and almost lost the game when Javier Hernandez struck the underside of the crossbar in a rare attack late on. 

Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw against struggling West Ham on Wednesday night

Arsene Wenger believes the Premier League is becoming more and more defensive 

Wenger has noticed a shift in philosophy of the league during the past five years.

‘That has changed,’ the Frenchman said. 

‘Because first of all the crowds accepts it. They start with the idea that if it’s a 0-0 it’s a good result. Every tackle they make the crowd is, “Wahhhh”. 

‘You would say as long as you don’t score the first goal you’re in a position where you have to take a gamble. 

'What is even worse you know if you have not scored in the last 10 minutes you will have to go through one moment, they will find one moment, one free kick or corner where you’ll be in trouble and that’s what could’ve happened at West Ham. 

'That’s where you sit there you can lose the game where you’ve have 70 per cent of the ball. As long as you don’t score your first goal, it’s difficult, because they don’t come out.

‘It is a modern problem. The defence gives you a new problem, you have to find a new solution. 

'We are not far from it because you feel the quality of the game is there but we have to be more efficient to finish what we prepare.’ 

Wenger has noticed a shift in philosophy of the league during the past five years

Wenger could face the same when Newcastle visit on Saturday. 

To counter this growing trend, he has been adapting his preparation against the sides outside the top six, paying particular attention to video analysis to highlight areas of weakness.

Wenger has identified ways to break through, saying: ‘Speed of passing, co-ordinated movement, the incisive movement and as well the dribbling. 

'Little quality we speak about Jack Wilshere, he has that little burst to turn the game and make a little difference and create and opening. 

‘But as well I believe a calm in finishing. When you don’t score you get nervous, the guys want to force it, but it is more to continue to focus on the quality of what you have.’