Arsenal News: Arsene Wenger explains reason for 3-4-3 formation
PA Arsene Wenger has selected three centre-halves for Arsenal's match tonight
Arsenal take on Middlesbrough this evening at the Riverside (8pm). The Gunners have won just one of their last five Premier League games and are desperate get a result against Boro. As a result Arsene Wenger has opted for a system with three at the back - the first time since 1997. FOLLOW MIDDLESBROUGH V ARSENAL LIVE
Arsene Wenger plays bizarre new formation against Middlesbrough Mon, April 17, 2017 Click to reveal the best reactions to the Arsenal line-up against Middlesbrough Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 9 Click through the gallery to reveal Arsenal's formation and the fans' reactions
We will of course have to defend better as a team Arsene Wenger
And the Frenchman has claimed he has done so to offer them more defensive stability - particularly in the air. "We weren’t solid defensively [against Crystal Palace]," Wenger said. "We will of course have to defend better as a team. "In the last two games away from home we’ve had a lot of the ball and didn’t create a lot. Let’s try to come back with some defensive stability."