The new-found bossy attitude of Mathieu Flamini has added steel
to the Arsenal side this season, according to Arsène Wenger.
The 23-year-old was all set to leave Emirates Stadium in the summer
after struggling to break into the team. But this term he has been
superb, breaking down opposition attacks and providing the
defensive platform upon which others can perform. Last seasons
fixture list tells us Arsenal dropped some expensive points against
tough-tackling teams away from home. Flamini is Wengers insurance
policy against that and he showed it at the weekend with a
committed physical performance as the visitors successfully
protected their 1-0 lead at West Ham.
Mathieu is a winner, said Wenger afterwards. He has improved in
football terms; his vision is better, his presence is better and
overall he is doing very well at the moment.
When he first told me he wanted to leave, of course I couldnt do
anything against that because he had the right to do it. After,
when he changed his mind, I said ok, you fight like everybody else
for your job and for your position. He is doing that well because
at a big club you must be backs-to-the wall and yet capable to
respond.
[Over the summer] he realised he was maybe at a place where he
will get a chance if he is doing well. He is growing now. He has a
little bossy attitude in midfield. Hes an organiser and a fighter
and I think in our team it is needed.
It certainly was on Saturday at West Ham. Arsenal grabbed an early
lead through Robin van Persie but had to roll their sleeves up for
the remaining 77 minutes as the home side sought the
equaliser.
It was satisfying because Tottenham was one step forward and this
was our bogey team, said Wenger. It was a derby as well and you
know you face a physical game.
It was another test and overall we passed the test very well. We
never panicked; we didnt give many chances away. You cannot say it
was a lucky win. I think it was deserved.
It was also a physical victory in which Arsenal gave as good as
they got.
We couldnt always face that, admitted Wenger. Overall we did
not forget to play because before when we were less experienced.
But when the teams played like that against us we forgot to put
them under pressure with our game and we did that much better in
the second half on Saturday.