Monday 17 April 2017 23:16, UK
Arsene Wenger said Arsenal’s win over Middlesbrough will help to repair the damaged confidence following their bad run.
Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil proved their importance to Arsenal as they grabbed a goal apiece in a crucial 2-1 victory.
The Gunners had won just once in their previous five Premier League games but this victory moved them back above Everton and within seven points of fourth-placed Manchester City, with a game in hand.
"When you are lacking in confidence it always comes back slowly and good results help," Wenger told Sky Sports.
"I felt we was focused and committed - but you could see that we don't play with full confidence during some moments in the game. We really wanted to win. In the second half when it opened up we missed the final ball when we could've added one or two more. Middlesbrough were dangerous on crosses and set-pieces.
"It was a competitive game as this was one of their last chances to stay in the league. They gave everything."
Wenger tweaked Arsenal's formation and set out with a three-man defence for the first time since 1997 with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain employed as a makeshift right-wing back.
Explaining his reasoning behind the switch, Wenger said: "It added more stability on the long balls - we knew we'd face a direct game and we have been punished on that. The opponent had more of the ball that we're used to - when we lost against West Brom and Crystal Palace we had 70% possession and today we had a bit less."
However, the 67-year-old insists playing with three centre-backs will not be a long-term ploy as it restricts his side's ability to keep the ball in midfield.
"We like to dominate the ball, but when the team lacks confidence it's good to change to a system and do something different."
