Gunners aim to resolve defensive errors

ASHLEY COLE has said size does matter as Arsenal started to address the defensive failings at set-pieces which threaten to undermine their title bid.

Sol Campbell insists the title race remains wide open despite Chelsea's five-point lead but he and Cole still know the Gunners must improve their defending at corners and free-kicks.

Half of the goals conceded by Arsenal so far in the league have come from set-pieces, and their goals-against tally of 22 from 17 games is already just four short of last season's overall total.

This has led to questions being raised over Arsenal's concentration levels, as well as zonal marking.

However, Cole echoed manager Arsene Wenger's belief that Arsenal's overriding problem is a lack of height in their defenders and midfielders.

At 5ft 8in, the full-back is the smallest of Arsenal's natural defensive figures although only Campbell and Patrick Vieira are over 6ft.

Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pires hardly the most renowned ball headers are taller than the likes of Kolo Toure, Lauren, Cole, Cesc Fabregas and Jose Reyes. Cole said: "We are a comparatively small team and sometimes we do find defending set-pieces quite difficult. The only answer is to practice and make sure we improve in that area."

Campbell, who lost touch with John Terry for Chelsea's first equaliser, nevertheless defended himself and his team-mates.

"You have to understand people are blocking you, so it's difficult. If the referee doesn't see it then it's hard. The system is more zonal, but last year was the same and it was fine."

Campbell is confident too that Arsenal's self-belief has not been punctured this season noting the Gunners have come from behind to win the 1998 and 2002 titles.

"The title race is not over. There are lots of twists and turns still to go, and every side has a blip at some stage. We have to believe we can win it."

Despite the continuing injuries to Gilberto Silva, Edu and Fredrik Ljungberg, Campbell believes the emergence of midfielders Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini will boost Arsenal.

"We still have players like Patrick Vieira, Gilberto Silva, Edu and Freddie Ljungberg who will bolster our midfield. So we are in good stead," he said.