Alex Song... midfielder pleased with new formation
Song pleased with Gunners' new formation
Arsenal defender Alex Song has credited this season's strong start to the new formation implemented by Arsène Wenger.
The manager trialled the new system in pre-season, and it has so far proved successful with the Gunners scoring 12 goals in three games.
“When we came back and played our first game the boss asked us to play in this formation,” he said.
“In the Everton and Celtic games everyone’s been very happy with the situation because we’ve played very well – we’ve passed the ball just as people expect Arsenal to, but when we’ve lost the ball you can see that everyone has been closing it down so quickly.
“In that aspect I think we’ve improved a lot – maybe we didn’t do it so well last season, but in these two games I’ve seen everyone want the ball when we have it and everyone pressuring it hard when we don’t.
“We’re feeling confident because we’re playing well and still have Theo to come back, Tomas as well.
“We have a good team and a good squad, and this year it is very important for everyone that we do something.”
The 4-3-3 line-up has seen Song start the season in a holding midfield role, a position to which the Cameroon international has adapted well.
“I am the first defender in the midfield, if you like,” he said. “That means Cesc and Denilson can push forward a little more. I’ll stay in the middle so that I can stop counter-attacks and close passes down.
“But we see also that when the other guys lose the ball they come back immediately to help out too. I like playing in this position and just want to keep trying to do my best all the time, helping the team to move upwards.”
This interview first appeared in the matchday programme. You can subscribe to the Matchday Programme by calling 08700 20 20 20.
[Monday, August 24, 2009]
More Arsenal News
-
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
Africa Cup of Nations draw made -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
Wenger - Why FFF must call for a replay -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
Wenger - The French nation reacted well -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
Wenger - Maradona goal 'Hand of the Devil' -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
‘Modern medicine is the best medicine’ -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
Wenger - Friday games will ease the strain -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
Wenger - Ramsey is developing very well -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
Wenger - Van Persie free to choose treatment -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
Chiellini not to blame for Van Persie injury' -
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
Wenger urges France to offer Ireland replay
