Per Mertesacker

August

Per played in Arsenal's first two matches of the season, helping the team keep clean sheets against Sunderland and Stoke. “I think we have a better situation than last year,” he said. “The team is full of characters, good players and every position [has competition]."

September

Per featured four times in September, forging a fine partnership with Thomas Vermaelen in the process. The German centre back was named Man of the Match after an excellent performance in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City at Etihad Stadium.

October

Per continued to perform well during October, making four appearances and helping the Club to victories over Norwich and QPR. Fellow defender Laurent Koscielny praised the German’s performances, saying: "I am happy for Per because he’s a nice guy, very important in the dressing room. He’s a joker so he’s good for the team. I’m happy because he’s played well this season and it’s good for the team.”

November

Per was an ever-present throughout November. The German defender scored his first goal for the Club in the 5-2 win over Tottenham and was voted man of the match for his performance in the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa. “It was amazing from the very start,” he told Arsenal Player after the Tottenham game. "It was very good to score because we were one man up and they were dropping off. I kept standing in the box and tried to be lucky. The ball from Theo was very good and it was a good day to score.”

December

Per made five appearances in December, missing only the trip to Olympiacos in the Champions League and the home win over Newcastle. On being drawn against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16, Per said: “We will face a good team in Germany. They are top of their league and went through to the knockout stage in a phenomenal way. They only conceded seven goals in the first half of the season. [But] they have a little break now and can rest a bit. Maybe it's a good opportunity for us to face them in February because we will be in our rhythm. We will hopefully go through the Christmas period in a strong way. We can do that.”

January

Per captained Arsenal for the first time in the FA Cup win over Brighton and Hove Albion and appeared in every game except the draw at Southampton on New Year’s Day. “We are always looking to win something and we can achieve something with this group,” he told Arsenal.com. “We have a lively group so our thoughts are now on the next match. That’s the most important thing for us, not what’s going to happen in May. “We have a few targets in our team that are possible this year. We won’t talk about it, we’ll just see what happens in the next few important weeks on the pitch.”

February

Per started four games in February, missing only the FA Cup loss to Blackburn Rovers at the Emirates. “It’s always special to face a German team,” the defender said ahead of the Champions League tie against Bayern Munich. “[Me and Lukas Podolski] are looking forward to it because Bayern are a great team and are so consistent this year. It’s a special game for German players to play against a team from their home country."

March

Per was a mainstay in March, playing every single minute of Arsenal’s four games. The centre back was on target in the defeat at Tottenham and was a key component in the defence that kept clean sheets in both Munich and Swansea. “It rained cats and dogs, especially in the second half,” he said after the win in south Wales. “It was very slippery but it was a vital win.”

April

Per’s month started with a red card at West Bromwich Albion. The defender returned to the team after suspension and was named man of the match against Fulham after scoring the only goal at Craven Cottage. "I think they've been terrific - not only defending very well but also creating goals for us at the other end like they did last week against Fulham," said Wojciech Szczesny on the form of Per and Laurent Koscielny. "They're getting the credit they deserve because they work very hard and they're very honest lads. I'm very happy for them and it's much easier to play behind them when they are in that kind of form."

August

Per joined the Club from Werder Bremen in August.

September

Per has started in every one of his available league and European matches since his summer move from Werder Bremen, battling on through the month with various defensive partners as injury problems mounted. "I want to do a good job, especially in the defence," he said. "That is my role. If the coach praises me then that is a great thing but I have to go on and keep on working."

October

Per enjoyed a positive month at the heart of the Arsenal defence as he developed his partnership with Laurent Koscielny. The Germany international helped the Gunners to victories against Sunderland, Stoke and Chelsea – and was outstanding as Arsenal kept a clean sheet in the away victory in Marseille.

November

Per continued his acclimatisation to English football, impressing in the Champions League fixtures against Marseille and Borussia Dortmund. The German played his part in a solid month at the back for Arsenal.

December

Per remained an integral part of Arsene Wenger's first team, playing in every one of Arsenal's available Premier League fixtures over the month.

January

Per was a virtual ever-present over the month, missing only the FA Cup victory over Leeds through illness.

February

Per suffered an ankle injury in the win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light and faces a long-term spell on the sidelines. Prior to his injury, Per featured in the draw at Bolton and the 7-1 victory over Blackburn at Emirates Stadium. "Unfortunately he has had surgery and we have lost him for a while," said Arsene Wenger. "How long I don’t know. He had reconstruction of his ligaments. So it will be long term."

March

Per continued to recover from his ankle injury. "I believe Per will be out for the rest of the season," said Arsene Wenger. "There is not long to go so I don't think he will be sharp enough to come back and play. He would need to train and get back to full fitness."

April

Per did not feature in April as he continued his rehabilitation from an ankle injury. Arsene Wenger said: "He is doing well. He is hopeful he will make the Euros and I hope he does. He is doing all his work here and the next two weeks will be vital for him. He has started ball work and he looks quite good."

May

Per continued his recovery from an ankle injury as he battled to be fit for Germany's European Championship campaign.