Per Mertesacker says Arsenal must learn from Saturday’s frantic finish at Selhurst Park.
First-half strikes from Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud gave the Gunners a two-goal lead but Glenn Murray ensured a tense finale when he stabbed home in the fourth minute of stoppage time, before heading against the post with the last action of the game.
Mertesacker was pleased with the majority of Arsenal’s defensive display but insists the team have to see games through until the end.
"We were lucky today but that was a bit of a warning for us not to switch off too early"
Per Mertesacker
“At the end they tried to put us some pressure and get some strikers on,” the defender said. “They nearly scored the equaliser so we were a bit lucky at the end. Overall, we are absolutely delighted with the three points and we move on.
“They have pace up front and good headers of the ball too. They nearly scored in the first half and at the end they had quite a few chances.
“Sometimes you lose games, especially at the end. We were lucky today but that was a bit of a warning for us not to switch off too early.
“As I said, I’m absolutely delighted to take the three points.”
Mertesacker was also full of praise for Arsenal’s traveling fans.
“Our away support has been absolutely fantastic this season. We’re quite delighted by that as well.
“To win for the away fans is special for them, to give them three points and to talk about that success today.
“That keeps them going, keeps us going and looking forward to the next match and showing ourselves as a proper unit.”
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