Arsene Wenger says Arsenal’s desire to make tackles all over the pitch epitomises their self-belief and team spirit.
The Gunners have averaged 20 tackles per game this season, more than any other team in the Premier League's top four, and have conceded the joint-fewest goals.
Olivier Giroud won the most challenges in Saturday’s 2-1 win against Everton, and Wenger is pleased with how all of his players are contributing defensively.
"You need to convince the players that you have to work hard to win games and that you need all 11 players to do that"
Arsene Wenger
“They are all on board and they have the belief,” the manager said. “They came off the pitch really tired.
“Cazorla won many balls and blocked many tackles, even Ozil. Once you have that in the team - and it is not easy to get it - it shows the belief is there and then you need enough humility to keep it in there.
“You need to convince the players that you have to work hard to win football games in the Premier League and that you need all 11 players to do that."
Gabriel also impressed with a number of crucial challenges against Everton, and Wenger had plenty of praise for the Brazil defender.
“He's shown that he's a fighter,” he said. “At half-time he was so upset at the deflection but in the second half he came out again with the same spirit, a fantastic combative aspect. He's not a talking leader, he's a fighting leader, and he's a typical centre back for the Premier League.”
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