Arsenal do not need new defensive midfielder
Martin Keown expands on his TV analysis of the Gunners' 5-0 win over Aston Villa and explains how manager Arsene Wenger adjusted his existing system in January, instead of bringing in new faces, to make his side more solid at the back.`
There were a lot of calls for Arsenal to sign a new defensive midfielder before this transfer window opened but, in the last few weeks, the Gunners have found a new way to win without needing new players to do it.
Arsene Wenger's side were seen as having a soft centre when they lost to Southampton on New Year's Day, and the lack of protection given to their defence has been frequently criticised this season.
But, since that defeat by Saints, Wenger has improved them massively at the back.
Sunday's 5-0 win over Aston Villa was Arsenal's third-straight Premier League victory, and their third-straight clean sheet.
He has done it by adjusting his midfield system to make it work with the players he has already got, rather than signing any more.
Wenger might still feel that he needs to buy a new defensive midfielder before the window shuts on Monday.
But, rather than filling a problem position, it would be as cover if Francis Coquelin gets injured, so he has someone else who can do his job