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Arsene Wenger chasing defensive cover ahead of next season

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 02 February 2018

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits that his side's "defensive numbers are not good enough", having failed to strengthen at the back during the January transfer window.

Arsene Wenger has confessed that Arsenal do not have enough top-quality defenders and must strengthen once the transfer window reopens.

The Gunners missed out on a couple of central defensive targets during the latter stages of the winter market, seeing approaches for Jonny Evans and Kostas Manolas rebuffed.

After conceding another three goals in their shock defeat to Swansea City last time out, Wenger concedes that his side must rectify their defensive frailties with the players available if they are to end the season on a high.

"Our defensive numbers aren't good enough," he told reporters at Friday's press conference. "We needed strengthening [last month] because we have to improve our defensive numbers to make the top four. I will adapt to the difficulties we face and must see how the idea I have works. We are flexible - we can play with a back three or four.

"It has been a [roller coaster]; we lost a game we should not have lost. January has been a very difficult month for us, it has been disappointing on the pitch, we have no room for any more defeats, it is important we respond quickly. I believe we have to find an internal solution to our defensive problems, that's everyone putting more effort in.

"It is not a lack of effort, but a lack of focus in vital moments of games, sometimes we do it well, sometimes not. At Swansea we had 75% possession, but we forgot to defend when we lost the ball. It's a team problem, and it is about taking individual responsibility for defensive roles."

Arsenal have conceded 34 goals in 25 Premier League games this term - a record bettered by six other sides.