Arsenal back lash

Frustrated Gunners do not practise defending in training

LONDON: Arsenal stars are frustrated with Arsene Wenger because they do not practise defending in training.

Wenger’s team are reeling from their 4-0 thrashing at Milan in the Champions League and face Sunderland in the FA Cup fifth round today.

Arsenal have won worldwide praise for their brilliant football yet incredibly, the club’s players are not given sessions focusing on defending and how to deal with set-pieces from opposing teams.

There is also a communication problem between the stars and the management – and none of the team voiced their concern over the issue at Thursday’s team meeting when Wenger lashed out.

Wenger’s side, who also face a massive North London derby against Spurs tomorrow week, have won eight of their 12 League games at home where they have often dominated.

But away in the League, Arsenal have conceded 26 times – only less than relegation-threatened Wigan and Blackburn – and have lost six times.

Many managers give their team – not just the back four – two hours a week on defending although Arsenal concentrate on possession.

This season also saw the team experiment with zonal marking.

While Arsenal struggled defensively in Milan, there is a strong feeling that they were not protected by the midfield.

Wenger is still receiving complete backing from this young team who still respect for their manager.

Yet there is a big age gap between the players and management which is why Steve Bould, 49, is set to replace Pat Rice, 62, as Wenger’s No. 2 in the summer.

Defender per mertesacker on friday underwent an ankle operation.

He initially hoped to be back in a month – but he will not return for two months at the very least.

The centreback now fears he could end up missing Euro 2012.

There is better news for Laurent Koscielny who picked up an injury against Milan but will return next week against Spurs. — The Sun, London