Football
Richard Jolly, ESPN.com writer 9y

Oxlade-Chamberlain: Defence key to Arsenal's defeat of Manchester City

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain savoured Arsenal's improvement at the back after Arsene Wenger's much-criticised defence kept a clean sheet as they beat Manchester City.

The Gunners had lost 6-3 on their previous visit to the Etihad Stadium and conceded 17 goals in their away games against last season's top three.

But they prevailed 2-0 in the rematch with City and midfielder Oxlade-Chamberlain believed the victory owed everything to the improvement in Arsenal's defending and the way they snuffed out City stars such as Sergio Aguero and David Silva.

He said: "We know they are a great side with great defensive players and great attacking players. If you look through the duration of the season teams have come here and scored goals.

"We believed there was no reason why we couldn't come here and score goals as well. It was a case of who defended the better and on the day we managed to keep them at bay and limit them to few chances from open play. From set-pieces the boys defended really well as well.

"It was as simple as we defended better: not just the boys at the back, but the boys up front as well. We didn't leave our back four exposed. We knew it was important to try to close areas and stop talented attacking players like David Silva and Sergio Aguero from getting too much room.

"We did that, especially in the first half. In the second half the game opened out and I am sure it was quite exciting to watch at times. But I think it was as simple as the fact we defended better. Francis Coquelin was brilliant. He showed great maturity and gave our back four a lot of protection."

Victory took Arsenal up to fifth and Oxlade-Chamberlain is confident they can record a 19th consecutive top-four finish under manager Arsene Wenger.

He added: "Ever since I have been at this club there have been doubts about whether we are going to make the top four and every year we manage to come through and finish strongly.

"The belief is definitely there. We have great belief and togetherness in this squad. We have proved it over the last few years and I am sure we can push on again. Ultimately we would like to be pushing for titles, not fourth place, but we will take it one game at a time and win like this, at a place like City, is only good for the confidence."

^ Back to Top ^