Per Mertesacker says that it’s human nature to dig deeper in derby games. But he’s challenging his team-mates to maintain their intensity as we return the Europa League.
No Arsenal fan will forget Saturday’s win over Tottenham in a hurry, but the feelgood factor will subside if we don’t follow up with good results in Cologne and Burnley.
For Per, our derby display should be the norm - not the exception.
“I think it was a brilliant example of us bringing it all – fans and players together,” he said.
“It was a great atmosphere and lovely to see how we were together in every single situation. Even in the stands, on the bench or actually on the field, we seemed to be together.
“The intensity was great from the start and I think it is human on those occasions that we give 20 per cent more. I think it is like that.
“But we want to reproduce, especially on Thursday. They set a good example for us, those players who came in. We saw that intensity and to repeat that tomorrow and Sunday will be a big, big challenge for us. But we embrace it.”
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