Arsenal are not known as one of the best defensive teams in the English Premier League or even in Europe.
Even if they might hold one of the better defensive records in the Premier League this season, they still make way too many mistakes for a team in the top half.
The likes of Thomas Vermaelen and Bacary Sagna have endured rather underwhelming seasons by their own high standards and Arsene Wenger, clearly fed up with the lack of form shown by the former, dropped him for the last two matches - 2-0 wins over Bayern Munich and Swansea -- despite Vermaelen being the club skipper.
One of the criticisms levelled at Arsenal's defending is that the back-four and the goalkeeper do not get enough protection from the midfielders, with Mikel Arteta this season asked to do the screening work.
Abou Diaby is also seen as someone who can help out the defense on occasions, even if the Frenchman might be at his best going forward.
The Arsenal man acknowledged the midfielders play a big role in protecting the back four and with it nullifying the opponent's attacking threat.
"As a team we all defend together, but as a midfield we have a big role to play," he told the club's official website.
"The midfield is the heart of the team and it is really important. They are the ones who defend and give the ball forward, defensively they give a good balance to the team. So it is very important to be strong in this area.
"If we want to succeed and win games, we need to be solid. We need to be together and that is what we have shown in the past two games."
Arsenal were impressive, especially in defense, in the last two games and Diaby believes his team can take that confidence and carry it forward to the next game against Reading in the English Premier League Saturday as Arsenal look to finish in the top four and seal that oh so vital Champions League place.
"When you win, you always get a confidence boost," he added. "It was really important to win the Bayern game, against a big team.
"Unfortunately we didn't get through but we did beat them and they hadn't lost for some time at home -- it was a really good performance from us.
"Following that, winning at Swansea was really good as well because every game from now until the end of the season is crucial."
