‘First seconds are vital for defence’

Mathieu Flamini believes Arsenal play their best football when they win back possession in their opponents' half.

The Gunners have deployed a pressing game this season with Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck leading the charge, and the Frenchman says that defence is the best form of attack.

“Defending as a team is very important,” Flamini told Arsenal Player. “You have to defend as a team but you also have to attack as a team and it’s very important to play very closely with each other.

“We have to defend as soon as we lose the ball because the first few seconds are important. If you attack and lose the ball then you have to defend straight away and get the ball in the opposition’s half because then you’re much closer to their goal.

“My role on the pitch to protect the back four is most important to me because we have a very offensive team that has a lot of players going forward," added Flamini.

“I’m just trying to help the centre backs, Per and Nacho, because we are a very offensive team and that’s my main priority. I like to communicate with my team mates, I give a lot on the pitch and I work hard for the team.”