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Arsene Wenger: This is why Arsenal have switched to 3-4-3 formation
ARSENE WENGER has claimed he has switched Arsenal to a 3-4-3 formation to make them more stable at the back.
Arsene Wenger has selected three centre-halves for Arsenal's match tonight
Arsenal take on Middlesbrough this evening at the Riverside (8pm).
The Gunners have won just one of their last five Premier League games and are desperate get a result against Boro.
As a result Arsene Wenger has opted for a system with three at the back - the first time since 1997.
FOLLOW MIDDLESBROUGH V ARSENAL LIVE
We will of course have to defend better as a team
And the Frenchman has claimed he has done so to offer them more defensive stability - particularly in the air.
"We weren’t solid defensively [against Crystal Palace]," Wenger said.
"We will of course have to defend better as a team.
"In the last two games away from home we’ve had a lot of the ball and didn’t create a lot. Let’s try to come back with some defensive stability."
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And when asked about the three at the back, he added: "We adapt a bit and play with three centre-back yes.
"Recently we’ve lost a lot of direct fights centrally and so it will get us a bit stronger in the air."
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