Owen Hargreaves highlights the biggest change at Arsenal this season
Owen Hargreaves has told BT Sport that he believes Arsenal have added a much-needed intensity to their game this season. The North L...
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Owen Hargreaves has told BT Sport that he believes Arsenal have added a much-needed intensity to their game this season.
The North Londoners have started the season strongly and are currently level at the top of the table alongside Manchester City.
Saturday afternoon saw them extend their winning run to six consecutive games in the Premier League as they beat Swansea City 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium.
It was an impressive performance from Arsene Wenger’s side, who have shown the kind of grit and determination in their games that has been sorely lacking in recent years.
While that has been a welcome addition, Hargreaves says he believes the biggest difference is an added pressing in their game.
“I think the biggest difference from last season is that they press the ball a little bit more,” he told BT Sport.“I thought out of possession Arsenal were one of the weaker teams in the Premier League but they look like they have added an intensity like Spurs or City.”
A look at one key stat actually shows that Hargreaves may have a point when it comes to Arsenal pressing more.
So far this season they have won the ball in the attacking third 5.3 times per game, an increase on the tally of 4.5 score they had after the same period last season.
That tally is actually the third highest in the division so far behind Manchester City and Chelsea and appears to indicate that Arsenal are pressing more than they have previously.
It is clearly working well for them and Arsene Wenger will be keen to see them keep it up for the remainder of the campaign to ensure they are challenging at the top.
