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‘We must show more defensive stability’

Arsene Wenger says his side will need to show more defensive stability when they take on Manchester City in Finland next weekend.

After battling back from two goals down to draw against Napoli the day before, Arsenal were denied a fourth Emirates Cup triumph on Sunday when Didier Drogba hit a late brace to give Galatasaray a 2-1 victory over Wenger’s team.

The boss was encouraged with elements of his team’s play over the weekend and says the squad will work hard to ensure they are physically ready when the Premier League season starts on August 17.

"We have seen some interesting things going forward in the two days"

Arsene Wenger

“I felt we dropped our level in the second half,” Wenger told Arsenal Player. “We had a very good first half where we controlled the game. In the second half we dropped dramatically, surprisingly as well for some players.

“We have seen some interesting things going forward in the two days. The bad thing is that we conceded goals in the two games. We have to show more defensive stability. We want to work on that. I feel we suffered a little bit physically in the second half.

“I believe that the practice in the two days was very important and very useful. Physically we are not far off. Two games in two days for some players was a bit too much.”

A virtually full Emirates Stadium watched new signing Yaya Sanogo make his first-team debut against Galatasaray. Wenger believes the 20-year-old showed promise.

“He [Sanogo] has only had a few days training I think what he did was encouraging,” he said.

“He looks to be a very good player but he's not completely fit. I'm convinced in the next two weeks you will see a different Sanogo."

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