Rob Holding says video analysis and more communication between players is helping Arsenal better prepare for the counter-attacks of their opponents.
While the stats suggest the Gunners continue over-index on the number of chances they concede to opponents, few would argue that the Gunners have found a better balance between free-flowing attack and defensive discipline since Unai Emery’s arrival.
A re-jigged midfield, featuring a dedicated enforcer in Lucas Torreira, and an eagerness to win the ball further up the pitch has definitely played a part, but for Holding the attention to detail of his new coach has also been integral to better organisation at the back.
“Wenger was very good for me as a manager and what he did for me,” he told Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’s game with Bournemouth.
“He encouraged me to play out from the back, showed me how to and gave me confidence.
“The main difference is how we’re defending when we’re attacking. When we’re up the other end of the pitch, how we are organised and prepared for a counter. That has been the biggest difference.
“We’re really focusing on video work, moving as little as five yards in some positions which makes all the difference when getting to the ball.
“When we were playing we would be stood there and no one would be talking to each other, whereas now there is much more communication. We seem a bit more organised and a bit more together at the back.”
Having started the season on the bench, Holding has gone on to establish himself as a regular in Emery’s starting lineup. He’s now made 12 appearances this season and shown real progress getting to grips with the new policy of playing from the back.
Following a disappointing campaign last time around, he’s now targeting a first call-up to the England senior squad.
“I think this is my best run in an Arsenal shirt,” he noted. “Consistency-wise, it’s been 12 games consistently playing to a good level, not playing because someone is injured but on merit. That gives you more confidence.
“Gareth Southgate has brought a refreshed feeling to England with a lot of young lads. If you’re playing well in the Premier League week in, week out, as we saw with Callum Wilson and Lewis Dunk, you’re going to get chances.
“You want to be a part of what they are creating at the moment. Obviously what they did at the World Cup and there is the Euros in over a year’s time. It’s a great time to be involved with England so why wouldn’t you want to be.”