In beating Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at the weekend, not only did Arsene Wenger’s side book their place in a third Cup final in four years, but they recorded back-t0-back wins in all competitions for the first time since January.
The two wins, over Middlesbrough and Pep Guardiola’s side, coincided with a shift to a back three by Arsenal and a complete turnaround in form from the likes of Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Paulista.
Speaking ahead of a Premier League return against champions Leicester City on Wednesday night, Wenger admitted the results, especially Sunday’s extra-time win, have given his side a lift in terms of morale and confidence as they look to claw their way back into the race for the top four.
Having slipped to seventh due to not playing in the league over the weekend the Gunners have a lot of work to do over the next month if they are to qualify for the Champions League once again, something Wenger has delivered in every one of his seasons as manager.
His change of tact in recent weeks, although out of character for the Frenchman, has clearly paid dividends in terms of results. Looking deeper into the two games, in which unchanged XIs were named, having three at the back has certainly given the north Londoners a new lease of life and a higher degree of confidence in terms of keeping the opposition out.
Further more, with more to support their midfield, summer signing Granit Xhaka has started to show why he was brought to the club. The Swiss midfielder has never been a purely defensive player and has struggled having to play such a role so far. However with more security behind him the former Basel man has been given more freedom, which has certainly benefited his performances.
However, going into the run-in, in which the Gunners will essentially need to win all of their remaining games to get back into that top four, Wenger will be looking for more up top. The role of leading the line over the last two weeks has been entrusted to Olivier Giroud, who hasn’t exactly shone meaning there could well be a change up top against the Foxes.
It seems clear though the Wenger’s side are comfortable in their new shape, if he can add some further bite to the front line then there is no reason the end of the season cannot be a successful one.