Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger feels his team have been labelled defensively weak because their attacking style leads them vulnerable to the counter attack. However the Frenchman does concede his team must improve when it comes to defending set-pieces.
Wenger told the club's official website: "I don't think we are weak defensively but we are an offensive team.
"Sometimes that exposes our defenders a bit more than other teams."
Wenger also noted the long-term absence of Belgian central defender Thomas Vermaelen.
"I believe we have quality defenders," insisted Wenger.
"One is Thomas Vermaelen and he did not play last year.
"In open play, we were one of the better defences but we conceded too many goals on set-pieces and that is where we want to improve this season."
