Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal's defending is a 'weak link' that they must improve

Arsenal face a Sunderland side who lost 8-0 last weekend

Arsene Wenger looks on during the 2-2 draw with Hull (Getty Images)

Arsene Wenger has admitted that Arsenal must work harder to solve their defensive issues, that are a “weak link” in the team at the moment.

After keeping 17 clean sheets in the Premier League last season, one fewer than Chelsea who led the division, Arsenal have started poorly this term with just one clean sheet in their first eight matches, conceding 11 goals.

They are already 11 points off Jose Mourinho's league leaders and a title challenge is already looking shaky. In Europe they have only fared slightly better, requiring two late goals to salvage a Champions League victory against Anderlecht in midweek after another concerning display.

Defeat there would have left them third in the group but as it stands they are second on six points, five clear of the Belgians and Turkish side Galatasaray; Borussia Dortmund top the group with three wins from three.

Lukas Podolski scored a late winner against Anderlecht (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal face Sunderland, who have their own questions to answer at the back after losing 8-0 to Southampton, at the Stadium of Light on Saturday and Wenger said: “At the moment, yes [defending] is our weak link."

“Last year we had 17 clean sheets and at the moment, we've only had one after eight games. That's something that we are not on the same level defensively.

“It will improve by getting everybody to put a bit more effort in to the defensive work. That starts not only at the back, but up front and in midfield by increasing the level of defensive activity through the team. We had to reshuffle the defence and [the players] getting used to playing together helps as well.”

Wenger claims Laurent Koscielny is set be missing until after next month’s international break as the club monitor an Achilles problem, while Jack Wilshere is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Hull.

Theo Walcott will not be involved as he continues his recovery from a knee injury with a more likely target being next Friday’s Under-21s game against Middlesbrough.

“He has to get used to contact again,” said Wenger. “He has been out for nine months, it was a big injury and it takes time to settle, to get used to being kicked again. He has a game that exposes him and he needs to feel completely confident. But he is not far. I think fitness wise he is there, to play a part in the game. On the contact front I think he needs a little bit more time.

“He had a very difficult time, Theo. He's a very polite and social guy, but behind that, he's mentally strong as well. For what he has gone through in the last nine months, you gain even more respect for him because he had some difficult times and always responded very positively. He's got a young baby, where they had some problems but he has done extremely well.”

Arsenal lost to Manchester United ten years ago today to end a run of 49 games unbeaten before an infamous tunnel bust-up dubbed the ‘Battle of the Buffet’ in which an unnamed individual, believed to be Cesc Fabregas, throwing pizza at Sir Alex Ferguson.

“I think it was an incredible run only ended by bad refereeing on the day and I will never forget that,” said Wenger. “For the rest in the tunnel, it would make a good film! Who threw the pizza? Honestly, in the film I know who I would give the role to - and you know as well!”