News

'Using a back three again is an option'

Arsene Wenger's use of a back three for the first time at Middlesbrough on Monday has been a hot topic this week.

The Arsenal manager was asked whether he would adopt a similar tactic in the Emirates FA Cup semi-final, and also what the future holds for Jack Wilshere.

This is what he had to say:

on whether a 3-5-2 formation is an option again…
It is an option, yes. But what will I do? You will understand that I won't tell you know.

on whether that system makes the team more unpredictable…
You know, it was more destined to give us a bit more defensive solidity because recently away from home we conceded too many goals.

on whether it convinces people that his side are more adaptable…
Of course, but I think the definition of a good football player is that he is adaptable to any situation. What makes football rich is that it's 11 against 11 and you have billions of different situations possible and that the players every time have to make the right decision. If you're not adaptable, you're not a top-level player.

on what he can take from the recent 2-2 draw with City…
That they are a team who is very positive going forward, they like to have the ball, they like to take initiative and we do as well. So on that front I think that in our last game it was quite 50/50 on the possession front, so overall I think it could be a very intense game with two teams trying to go forward. A very spectacular game once the first goal is scored, so let's hope we score first.

on whether Arsenal will offer Jack Wilshere a new contract…
That's something different. This injury is nothing to do with the extension of Jack's contract.

on whether Jack will sign a new contract…
I don't know, we haven't entered into any negotiations yet.

on when they will enter into any negotiations…
I think with all these cases, when there's only one year to go [it's done] during the break.

 

More polls coming soon...

See Full List

Fixtures & Results

Premier League
Ticket Info