Petr Cech on how Arsenal have pulled up drawbridge and put defence before attack
Says Gunners' keeper: 'We’re covering our mistakes with hard work and cohesion. The defensive attitude is there'
ARSENE WENGER has finally taught his Arsenal team how to shut up shop as they set about closing the gap on the league leaders.
The Gunners have managed four consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League after conceding eight goals in their first three fixtures of the season.
And goalkeeper Petr Cech believes the sudden improvement is down to a change of attitude following August’s 4-0 hiding at Liverpool.
Cech won four titles as part of a Chelsea team which put defensive security ahead of attacking flair.
The Gunners'stopper knows that Wenger will never completely abandon his devotion to beautiful football.
But he has noticed a greater emphasis on keeping things tight at the back in recent weeks.
It was only after the humiliating 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace last April that Wenger abandoned the four-man defence.
That formation had served him so well for 20 years.
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But now, six months on, he is totally committed to playing with three at the back supported by a couple of wing-backs.
When Arsenal briefly reverted to a back four to turn around their Europa League tie with Cologne, there were suggestions that Wenger would stick with that formation for their crucial next game away to Chelsea.
But he kept faith with Shkodran Mustafi, Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal in the middle.
And Wenger was rewarded with an impressive goalless draw after years of Stamford Bridge pain.
The defensive improvement has also coincided with Hector Bellerin and Sead Kolasinac playing as the regular wing-backs.
And the fact Mesut Ozil has not started the last six games has not gone unnoticed.
Cech, 35, racked up his 194th Premier League clean sheet during Sunday’s 2-0 win against Brighton.
And, all being well, he hopes to extend his record beyond 200 sometime around Christmas.
Arsenal are now up to fifth place in the table, level on points with Chelsea.
But they remain six points behind the Manchester pace-setters.
Cech added: “We have still to play City and United, so there will be opportunities to get closer to them.
“But we have responded well to the disappointing defeat at Liverpool.
“Everybody has been doing their job and the positive results have given us the confidence we need.
“We are playing better as a team. We’re covering our mistakes with our hard work and the cohesion and defensive attitude is there. This is the way to go forward.”
Cech’s team-mate Granit Xhaka has warned the Manchester clubs that his side will hunt them down.
And the midfielder took a swipe at the transfer fees spent by rivals — insisting the amounts leave him speechless.
The Swiss international, 25, said: “We are into our stride and we have the top of the table back in our sights.
“Getting back into the Champions League next season is very important for us. But our opponents are paying record amounts for players.
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“When I think about a mid-table club like Everton spending £150million during the summer, I am lost for words.
“It soon won’t be possible to buy a class player for under £100m.”
Arsenal paid Borussia Monchengladbach £38.25m for Xhaka in May 2016.
