Arsenal’s Wojciech Szczesny talks up Gunners defence

Wojciech Szczesny believes Arsenal have benefited from the luxury of largely playing the same back four this season.

The Gunners dropped to third in the Premier League table following Chelsea’s 2-0 win against Hull City on Saturday ahead of their trip to Aston Villa on Monday night.

I prefer to play behind the same back four because we have got a very good understanding

Wojciech Szczesny

Arsene Wenger’s men boast the meanest defence in the Premier League this season, having conceded a paltry 18 goals in 20 top-flight games.

And Szczesny reckons playing behind the same back four has helped his performance, although the Pole did praise the likes of Thomas Vermaelen, who has impressed when called upon.

“I prefer to play behind the same back four because we have got a very good understanding, but you have to give credit to the players that have come in,” Szczesny said.

“When everyone does as well as they have been doing recently, it really doesn’t matter.

“Thomas Vermaelen has done really well when he has been in the team as have the others, like Nacho Monreal and Carl Jenkinson.

“As long as the players coming in are in good shape and bring in the same principles into the game, it doesn’t make much difference. Hopefully they can maintain that form.”