Arsene Wenger has no doubts Arsenal's defence will soon be among the meanest in the Barclays Premier League once again.
The Gunners head to Wolves for Saturday afternoon's late kick-off on the back of some fine form, looking to extend an unbeaten run of 12 matches in all competitions, but - while Arsenal may be the leading scorers in the top flight with 32 goals from the opening 10 matches - they have also conceded 13 - more than any other of the top four.
"We can score goals and open teams up, which is a good basis to have confidence," he told Arsenal TV Online. "It also makes you keen to work on the defensive side of your game. That is a concern, but I do not think it is a problem."
He added: "When you analyse the numbers a bit deeper, we conceded goals in high-scoring games where our attention eased off a bit.
"Also, we have had something like only 36 shots against us, which means defensively we are quite sure. I am happy with our team work defensively and confident our defensive record will improve."
Despite leaking the odd goal or two, Arsenal's new central defensive partnership of Thomas Vermaelen and veteran William Gallas has impressed.
Belgian international Vermaelen, a £10million summer signing from Ajax, has slotted straight into the heart of a backline, which has seen Kolo Toure sold to Manchester City.
With Johan Djourou unavailable until spring as he recovers from knee surgery, Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre provide the back-up for what is set to be a hectic return to action following the international break.
Wenger, though, insisted: "At the moment, I am not tempted to rotate [my centre backs].
"I do not like to rotate too much in central defence because we are in a position where they have a good understanding and every point is vital so it is not worth to take a gamble if I am not forced to do it."
Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.
