Arsene Wenger has insisted that Arsenal will try to attack in-form Manchester City in Sunday’s game at the Etihad Stadium.
City have been impressive so far this season and are five points clear at the top of the Premier League after 10 matches – and have nine more points than Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been particularly ruthless against teams that have left themselves open, but Gunners boss Wenger says Arsenal have to be prepared to gamble.
Wenger said: “We want to defend well but you cannot go there and only be focused on defending. We want to play and have the ball and create dangerous situations.
“Sometimes the best way to defend is to attack. You have to accept the risk and you have to play.
“If you want to play football you have to accept the gamble and risk – it’s part of the game. Maybe it is a bigger risk to only defend.”
Wenger was speaking during his post-match press conference following the 0-0 draw with Red Star Belgrade on Thursday.
The result was enough to take Arsenal through to the knockout stage of the Europa League but the performance was uninspiring.
“It is frustrating when you don’t score, but there were many young players in the team and I think that is part of the learning process for them,” Wenger said.