Per Mertesacker says Arsenal’s high pressing was a key reason for the convincing 3-0 victory over Manchester United last October.
Arsène Wenger’s side turned in arguably their best performance of the season when Sunday’s opponents met in N5, scoring three times in a thrilling first 19 minutes.
While Mertesacker admits this weekend’s match is unlikely to follow a different pattern, he wants Arsenal to replicate the effort they displayed at Emirates Stadium.
"I would say we are more comfortable going there, or away from home in general, and performing well and to our best"
“I think we came out really strong, trusted in ourselves, nicked balls from them in their final third and then broke them down,” Mertesacker told Arsenal Player. “It was remarkable how we played and how we reacted.
“We were really active from the start, pressed them high and tried to get the ball as quickly as possible. It completely worked out. It will be a different game this time but I want to see the same effort from our side.
“That was our plan, to get the ball early, so the distance between where we got the ball and the goal was short. We are dangerous when we win the ball early. I think that’s something we need to emphasise.
“I would say we are more comfortable going there, or away from home in general, and performing well and to our best [than before]. We need a good performance in Manchester, there’s no doubt about it.”
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