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Mertesacker - We clicked defensively

Per Mertesacker

Per Mertesacker says Arsenal’s defence “clicked” in Sunday’s victory over Manchester United.

The Gunners kept their fourth Premier League clean sheet of the season at the weekend, and became the first side in nine matches to stop Louis van Gaal’s team from scoring.

Arsenal’s vice-captain believes that is testament to the team’s understanding at the back.

“We had a good understanding [defensively],” he said. “I think a lot clicked today.

“If one of us won a duel, the other would be there and that was the same in the second half. If he [Anthony Martial] ran past one of us, which can happen, someone else would be there straight away.

“It went well from the start and that’s always crucial. When you take your chances and are strong defensively, that’s a clear indicator that you feel good.

“[Sunday] was just special and then it’s always difficult for your opponents to gain a foothold when they are so far behind after 15 minutes.”

You could see how much the team wanted to respond [from Olympiacos]. As a team you try and remind yourself of what you can achieve and you could see that we have a lot of confidence.

“I hope that we can display that again in two weeks.”

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Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil

Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil