Szczesny makes case for defence

Arsenal’s problems in midfield and up front thanks to a dubious transfer policy may, disproportionately, be dominating the news agenda but goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny makes a convincing argument when he underlines a case for the defence.

Considering they have spent so much of the season sitting top of the table it must be a cause for frustration at the Emirates that Arsenal’s title challenge is regarded with so much contempt by so many influential figures in the game.

Even after a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday in a match in which Aaron Ramsey, Matthieu Flamini, Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott were all missing, there were eyebrows raised when manager Arsene Wenger suggested his side are on course to finish above Manchester City and end their trophy drought.