Recent months have seen the defence disrupted through injury and absences. The collective lack of concentration has cost points in the title run-in that may yet deny the squad silverware. ‘Soft’ goals against Birmingham, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa meant wins or defeats were turned into a draw. Of the four drawn games, one clean sheet at Wigan highlights the problem. The victory on Saturday was a triumph borne out of adversity and yet when the team went to three defenders, the pressure put on the Bolton defence and midfield meant that for the last half an hour, the hosts barely had an effort worth noting. In fact, I cannot think of a shot they had on goal once 3-4-2 had been selected as the formation.

To those who were schooled in the George Graham ways, it is the antithesis of their trade. Nigel Winterburn highlighted the changes that have happened over the time of Arsene’s reign in terms of defensive attitudes,

Arsenal play a different game these days. They take far more risks than we did and that includes the defensive players. When I was playing, I’d lash the ball away if I got into trouble and happily concede a throw-in but this team are reluctant to do that. They want to play their way out of trouble and you have to admire them for that

That attitude of playing football the correct way is what makes this potentially the most attractive Arsenal side of Arsene’s reign. A barren spell for the forwards needed to be supported by defensive solidity and it did not happen. Even at Bolton, the only goal scored by an attacker was from the penalty spot; the other two were from Gallas and a Cesc-inspired own goal. The run at the front is not over although one would hope that RvP draws inspiration from the penalty to find his shooting boots that, for the moment at least, do not quite fit properly.

The midfield has to provide more cover for the defence. Flamini is the only naturally defensive player in the centre, supported by Cesc working hard as well as trying to be the creative fulcrum of the team. On the flanks though, the first Bolton goal saw that weakness; Clichy was overloaded on the left from a throw-in, which should never happen, for the consequences were clear to see. Collectively, the midfield have to do more defensive work; the quartet protecting the back trio on Saturday did just that and there should be no reason why they do not do the same when there is a quartet behind them.

The best of defence is to attack but the element that is needed is awareness. With fullbacks who like to get forward, the wide midfielders have to provide cover by staying deeper in the midfield. They started the season doing so but in recent games that has been lost domestically. The Champions League saw them implement this strategy, aside from in Seville, and a miserly number of goals have been conceded. Transfer this back to the Premier League and the team will be better placed.

Finally this morning, a reminder that the memory of David Rocastle is being honoured by charitable efforts. On the seventh anniversary of his death, perhaps it might be a fitting gesture to treat yourself to a t-shirt?

‘til Tomorrow.