REDS HAVE FAR MOUR POWER NOW

ARSENE WENGER has talked up Arsenal’s defensive stability – but is ready for that to be tested to the limit by Manchester United’s “power”.

The Gunners boss believes old foes United look much more like a Jose Mourinho side following his latest summer window.

Old Trafford has slowly become the land of the giants under Mourinho, with the Special One adding Romelu Lukaku, Nemanja Matic and Victor Lindelof, plus re-signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, to his squad to increase the number of big men.

But Wenger has every reason to be confident his side can nullify United’s threat.

Arsenal are on their best-ever run of form at the Emirates, having won their last 12 home league games.

Wenger said: “It’s all linked a little bit with confidence, and the fact we have been more stable defensively, and a bit more patient maybe in our game.

“We are a team who puts many players in front of the ball when we attack, so we are sometimes vulnerable on the counter-attacks.

“On that front maybe the fact we play with three centre-backs helps a little bit to be caught less on counter-attacking.”

Arsenal’s form has improved the mood around the club and in the stands and Wenger said: “That is always a consequence of results and the way you play.

“We always tried to play good football but, when results are not what are expected, of course people become nervy.

“I put it down more to the fact that we have been defensively more stable.”

On Mourinho and United, Wenger (above) said: “They look more like a Mourinho team now. He has had time to put his print on them. He is now in his second year there.

“They look to be a strong team, yes. They have power, yes. They have a lot of power up front.

“Lukaku (left), now Ibrahimovic is back, Rashford, Martial. You cannot say these guys lack power.

“They are a dangerous side. If you look at their players they can be dangerous everywhere.

“So our defensive performance will certainly be important, to be well organised when we don’t have the ball against them.”

Both teams are well off the pace behind leaders Manchester City. Asked if everyone is now playing for second, Wenger added: “At the moment, we are too far behind, yes.

“We just have to focus on our own results and not worry too much about City.”